Marvin J. Ehlers, 82, of Rockford died at his home Sunday, July 20, 2014.

Marvin John was born in Herrick, S.D., the son of Arnold and Amelia Ehlers, and was one of six children. He graduated from Rose Creek High School in 1950. He then farmed with his parents until 1962, when he joined the Oliver Tractor Manufacturing plant in Charles City. He worked in the assembly of tractors until his retirement from the then White Farm Corporation. He was united in marriage to Blythe Ballanger on Sept. 15, 1962, at the First Baptist Church in Brownsdale, Minn. After moving to Rockford, they attended the First United Methodist Church. They both worked very hard at restoring homes in the Rockford area, which they would later rent out. One of the businesses on Main Street Rockford was the Trading Post Antiques store, which they owned and operated. As a hobby as well as part of their business, they traveled to many auctions and flea markets to supply items to their store, keeping many toy tractors for Marvin’s collections. Part of Marvin’s loves was his dog Trouble, and driving around Rockford and the cemetery exploring the history of the community. Both Marvin and Blythe served as foster parents over 25 years for many children, and stayed in touch with many of them.

Marvin is survived by his wife Blythe of 51 years; his two children Sherrilyn Ehlers of Nora Springs, and son David Ehlers of Rockford; a foster child Donald Fredericksen of Charles City; and granddaughter Amanda Ehlers of Rockford. Also his siblings Raymond (Kathy Lucas) Ehlers of Edina, Minn., Lavern (Eunice) Ehlers of Owatonna, Minn.; sister-in-law Bernice Tara; a niece and several nephews; and special friend of the Ehlers Kristi Mason.

Marvin was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters Dorothy Ehlers and Ella Faber; and brother Arnold Ehlers, Jr.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Friday, July 25, 2014, at Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 2nd ST. SE Mason City. Officiating will be the Rev. Martha Bennett. Visitation will be from 4 until 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home in Mason City. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Rockford. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Marvin J. Ehlers memorial fund.