Marvin A. Dittus, age 86 of Bismarck and Elgin, ND; passed away on Friday, October 30, 2020 at the Jacobson Memorial Hospital in Elgin, ND.

A Private Family Service will be held 10:00am Thursday, November 5, 2020 at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Elgin.  Pastor Deb Cantrell will officiate with burial in Zion Lutheran Cemetery at Elgin.

MARVIN ARTHUR DITTUS was born on November 29, 1933 in Elgin, ND to Arthur and Martha (Nagel) Dittus.  He grew up on the family farm south of Elgin.  He lost his father at the age of 14.

In 1955, Marvin married the love of his life, Janet Martell.  They have two daughters, Debbie and Connie.  In 1955, Marvin started working as a parts man at Martells Sales and Service, a John Deere and Ford Dealership.  In 1972, the ownership changed and became Dittus Inc.  Marvin was an Implement Dealer for more than 50 years.   In the 1960's he brought snowmobiles to our area, trail riding for fun and a means for ranchers to feed cattle in tough conditions.

Marvin and Janet enjoyed spending many winters in Arizona.  He loved tennis, golf, and 4-wheeling the desert trails and sand dunes of Arizona.   Marvin and Janet enjoyed camping with family and friends for 60 plus years, so many good times and adventures.

Marvin loved pine trees.  Over the years he planted many thousands of trees, mostly Ponderosa Pine.   Marvin's family meant the world to him.  He loved holiday's and camping together.   He was a lifetime member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Elgin.

Marvin and Janet moved to Bismarck in 2010, but Elgin was always home.  He left a legacy of hard work and love of family and friends.

Marvin is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Janet; 2 daughters, Debbie Magstadt (Tom Haas) Bismarck, ND; Connie (Gary) Winkler, Elgin, ND; 2 grandsons, Steven (Bridget) Winkler, Elgin, ND; Zachary Magstadt, Bismarck, ND; 2 great granddaughters, Mykenzie and Mykala Winkler, Elgin, ND; 1 brother, Glenn Dittus, Elgin, ND: 1 sister-in-law, Cleone Martell, Las Vegas, NV; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Martha Dittus, his in-laws, Jacob and Louise Martell; his beloved grandson, Michael Marvin Winkler, his sister, Delores Dittus David, his brother-in-law, James Martell; and his son-in-law, Tim Magstadt.

Cards may be sent to Connie Winkler, PO Box 492, Elgin, ND  58533.