Marvin E. Sorum, 87, longtime Kenmare area educator and farmer, died Monday, March 12, 2012 in a Kenmare Hospital.

Marvin was born April 15, 1924, on the family farm in Burke County, near Flaxton, ND to Marius and Anna Sorum. He was educated in Flaxton.

Marvin continued his education at Minot State University pursuing a degree in education until he was inducted into the US Army Air Force on May 2, 1945. He served under active duty status until September 27, 1946 and was later called to active duty during the Korean Conflict until his honorable discharge from the US Air Force on August 25, 1951.

Marvin completed his education at the University of North Dakota earning a Doctorate Degree in Education. He took his skills closer to home in Kenmare, ND where he served a dual role of principal and teacher of English and History at Kenmare High School from 1954 until 1969. His educational journey continued to the college level, serving as a professor at Valley City State University and the University of North Dakota for a time.

Marvin was united in marriage to Shirley Dunlop on August 27, 1960 in Billings, MT. They made their home in Kenmare. In addition to his career in education, he maintained a farming operation in Burke County.

Marvin served his community with terms on school boards in Kenmare and Burke Central. He served one term as a ND State Senator and was a member of Nazareth Lutheran Church in Kenmare.

Marvin was a kid at heart. He loved animals and was unrivaled in performing imitations of them for his grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He will be deeply missed by all who shared in his life.

His loving family includes loving wife of 51 years, Shirley, Kenmare, children, Kristine (John) Sinclair, Scottsdale, AZ, Katrine (Jim) Lean, Washburn, WI, Kaari (Matt) Winland, New Fairfield, CT, Kaia (Tom) Hart, Bismarck, ND and Kristian (Marian) Sorum, Bismarck/Flaxton, ND; grandchildren, Torunn and Brynn Sinclair, Haakon, Hans, and Annika Lean, Emily, Tor, Aana and Kristen Winland, Colin, Karsten and Carrie Hart and Keaton Sorum; a sister and a brother; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, and a brother.

Funeral Service: 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 16, 2012 at Nazareth Lutheran Church, Kenmare.
Interment: 3:00 p.m. Friday, March 16, 2012 at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, rural Mandan, ND
Visitation: Thursday, March 15, 2012, from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Nazareth Lutheran Church, Kenmare Ambulance, Kenmare Hospital's Skilled Care or to an organization of the donor's choice.