Marlyn F. Roberts, age 79, of Luverne, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at the Royal C. Johnson VA Hospice Cottage in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Memorial visitation was Wednesday, June 25, from 5-7 p.m. at Hartquist Funeral Home in Luverne. Memorial service was Thursday, June 26, at 10 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne, with military honors to follow.
Arrangements were under the care of Hartquist Funeral Home in Luverne.
To view Marlyn’s LifeTribute video or sign an online registry, please visit www.hartquistfuneral.com.
Marlyn Francis Roberts, age 79, of Luverne, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Marlyn was a proud Vietnam veteran, devoted husband, beloved father and grandpa/great-grandpa, and a man who built a life rooted in service, tradition, and community. He leaves behind a legacy that will be cherished by all who knew him.
Born on October 14, 1945, and raised on a farm outside of Luverne, Marlyn developed an early love for the outdoors that shaped every chapter of his life. His childhood and family life were set against the backdrop of prairie, riverbanks, and open skies — places that instilled in him a deep appreciation for the outdoors and the experiences it offered.
He cherished time in the woods and fields, especially when hunting with his sons, grandchildren, and a close circle of trusted hunting buddies. Countless days were spent bow hunting, trapping, and fishing with family and friends, often along the river near Darling’s Bend, a favorite stretch of land that became a constant in every season of his life. These moments, marked by early mornings, quiet trails, and deep camaraderie, were among his most treasured.
Before, during, and after his military service, Marlyn worked as a barber, a trade he embraced with pride and skill. His 50-year career wasn’t just about cutting hair; his barbershop became a cornerstone of the community, where stories were shared, friendships formed, and laughter came easy.
He served honorably in the U.S. Army as part of the First Cavalry Division in Vietnam, returning home with the same quiet strength and commitment that defined his life.
He was a volunteer firefighter in Luverne for 20 years. He coached youth hockey, served as a Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts leader, supported 4-H, and was a hands-on volunteer who helped maintain the local outdoor rink and build the town’s hockey facility. Many have fond memories of him sharpening their skates in the basement of his house. He also owned and operated a small archery shop out of his home.
When his children were young, he enjoyed annual family snowmobile trips up North — especially the familiar ride “to Hackensack and back.” He was a founding member of the Rock County Snowmobile Club and not only taught snowmobile safety but was often one of the first to help transport essential employees to work during a blizzard. Equally cherished were camping adventures in the Boundary Waters, where mornings began with the sounds and smells of pancakes and bacon cooking on the Coleman stove — his signature way of waking everyone up. Days were filled with canoe excursions, fishing, and the peaceful rhythms of life in the wilderness.
He also found joy in attending rendezvous/buckskinning events throughout the state and was drawn to their history, craftsmanship, and strong sense of community. These gatherings became a meaningful way for him to stay connected to tradition and the outdoors. He took pride in his teepee and sharing stories and teachings with youth groups and families alike.
After his retirement he took up the guitar, and with only a few lessons, taught himself to play numerous classic country hits. He enjoyed sharing this new gift with local nursing home residents and family.
Through it all, he stood beside the love of his life, Karen, his wife of 58 years. After a chance meeting with her in her brother’s baby blue convertible and him in his GTO, their love story began. Together, they raised five children beneath the same Blue Mounds landscape he had loved since childhood, instilling in them the values of hard work, integrity, and a deep bond to family and tradition. His life lessons have been passed down to each generation along with the humorous stories that accompany them.
He is survived by his wife, Karen (Weins); their five children, Seana (Keith) Graber, Thad Roberts, Tiffany (Paul) Snider, Shane (Heather) Roberts, and Wade (Lisa) Roberts; seven grandchildren, Kira (Jordan) Degerness, Mitchell Graber, Quinn Graber, Kaitlyn (Tommy) Vajgrt, Trey Roberts, Tyler Roberts, and Madeline Snider; and one great-grandchild, Walter Degerness. His legacy continues to grow with the anticipated arrival of another great-granddaughter.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leona (Fix) and Francis Roberts; and other close family and friends.
He poured himself into his family and his passions, gave generously of his time and skills, and loved deeply. May his memory continue to inspire for generations to come.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Luverne Dollars for Scholars in his memory.
