Marvin Adolphson, 84
Marvin Adolphson, 84, Emerson, passed away Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at the Good Samaritan Society in Red Oak, after a battle with Myelodyplastic Sydrome (MDS) .
Marvin was born May 1, 1941, in Mitchell, S.D., the son of Fred and Christine (Vosberg) Adolphson. Marvin joined his brother Donald who was born Aug. 15, 1938.
The family lived on a farm six miles west of Armour, S.D. The farm, at that time, had no electricity or running water and the farm work was done with horses. Marvin attended a one-room school for grades 1-5, then attended grade 6-12 at Armour Public School graduating in 1959. He worked at a local gas station for one year then enrolled in Southern State College in Springfield, S.D. Marvin graduated in 1964 with a BS in chemistry. He was then accepted to Iowa State University in Ames to pursue an advanced degree in chemistry. Marvin graduated in 1969 with a PhD in chemistry.
On July 8, 1969, Marvin was united in marriage to Helen Wookey at the Little Brown Church in Nashua.
In the fall of 1969, Marvin attained an associate professorship position
at Wisconsin State University in Platteville, Wis., where he taught
until 1971.
In the summer of 1971, Marvin and Helen moved to Helen’s family farm near Red Oak. Helen’s parents encouraged Marvin and Helen to take over the family farm. During this time Marvin also taught several chemistry and math courses for a local community college. He later took a full-time job at Lloyd, Inc., a pharmaceutical company, located in Shenandoah. Marvin retired from Lloyd, Inc. in 2011, but continued to farm until 2018.
Marvin’s hobbies and joys included working in the wood shop, being outdoors, history, learning new things, family get-togethers, especially bonfires, and trips to South Dakota. And Marvin always loved conversation, as he never knew a stranger anywhere.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donald Adolphson; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Adrian and Faye Wookey; and grandson, Daniel Williams.
Survivors include his wife, Helen Adolphson of Emerson; children, Bradley Adolphson, Diane Adolphson, and Marla Williams and husband Chad; grandchildren, Alex Adolphson, Alice Williams, and Faith Williams; and other relatives and many friends.
A private family graveside service will be held later at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery at Armour, S.D. Memorials may be directed to the Hawthorne United Methodist Church, Nishna Productions, or the Red Oak Music Boosters.
LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.