Marvin Gries, age 87, of Aurora, died Friday, February 17, 2017, at the United Living Community in Brookings. Visitations will be 5-7 P.M. Tuesday, February 21, 2017, at Eidsness Funeral Home. Interment will be at a later date in Greenwood Cemetery.

Marvin was born on March 12, 1929, on the farm in Brookings County to Hugo and Hilda (Thorborg) Gries. He grew up on a farm south of Aurora. Marvin attended country school through the 8th grade, and then began working for area farmers as a hired man. He married Jean Wulf on December 2, 1950. They had a joyful and loving marriage for sixty-six years.   He honorable served his country in the Korean Conflict and was discharged in 1955. Following his discharge, Marvin worked for the Horticulture Department at SDSU for thirty-five years. He then worked for Brookings in their Parks and Recreation Department until his retirement.

Marvin was an active member of the Aurora American Legion and was a volunteer for the Aurora Fire Department. He enjoyed working outside in the garden, hunting, fishing, walking around Aurora, and visiting with his family and friends. Marvin was also an avid Minnesota Twins Fan and loved watching them on TV.

Survivors include his wife, Jean; children, Peggy, Gary, and David all from Aurora; sisters, Evelyn Kirby of Aurora and Mary Williams of Brookings; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hugo and Hilda; and his brothers and sisters, Ervin, Melvin, Albert "Pete", Herbert, Raymond, Dorothy, and Irene.