Marvin Eldon Dahley Jr.

Marvin Eldon Dahley Jr., age 81, of Preston, Minn., passed away on February 10, 2025 in Rochester, Minn. 

He was born to Marvin Sr and Patricia (Moon) on June 5, 1943.  Marvin grew up in Chatfield Minn., and graduated from Chosen Valley High School in June 1962. In July 1962, he entered the Navy and traveled abroad to the Republic of Germany, Italy, Greece, United Kingdom, Netherlands and Turkey.  Marvin’s service duty was fulfilled in August 1966. 

Marvin held a few different jobs after the Navy, 1966-69 for Touhy Furniture of Chatfield, 1969-73 Crenlo of Rochester, 1973-74 manager of the Parker Hotel Rochester, 1974-80  self-owned siding business in Rochester and Florida, 1980-85 groundskeeper for the Chanute AFB in Illinois. His final job was at Halcon of Stewartville from 1985 until 2007, when he finally was old enough to retire!

In between all this hard work, he slowed down a minute and met and married his forever love, Virginia Skinner on June 23, 1973.  He became an instant stepfather to Jean, Lois and Marc. When he had time, he loved to work with wood, and made some beautiful keepsakes, which he shared with family and friends. He could fix anything and was a jack of all trades! He loved word search puzzles, plastic car models and a good game of cribbage! He loved making us cringe by telling and showing his recent injuries!!

Marvin was greeted in heaven by his wife Virginia, parents Marvin and Patricia, sisters Sheri McKenzie, Carmen Dahley, brother John, his grandparents and one grandchild.

Leaving behind here on earth are stepdaughters Jean Stergis (Bernie) of Rochester Minn., Lois Skinner of Illinois, stepson Marc Skinner (Sheila) of Georgia, 17 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and six great great grandchildren.  Marvin is also survived by sisters Pamela Boone (Steve) of Texas, Shirley Gartner of Preston, Minn., Cindy Maasch of Rochester, Minn., Debra Dahley Nelson (Steve) of Rochester, Minn., Darla Kriehn (John) of Arizona, brother Shannon Dahley (Rachel) of Wykoff, Minn., brother-in-law Mac McKenzie of Chatfield, Minn., and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Per Marvin’s request no service will be held.  Marvin and Virginia will be buried at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minn., together at a later date. Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home is assisting the family.