Obituary of Marlin Herrboldt

Marlin Herrboldt, age 79, of Menno, passed away Friday, April 26, 2024 at his home in rural Menno. Funeral services will be 10:30 am, Thursday, May 9 at the Salem Reformed Church in Menno with Rev. Michael Hecht and Rev. Ken Skorseth officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday, May 8 from 5:00-8:00 pm at Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Chapel in Menno. Burial will be at the Menno Cemetery. Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Chapel of Menno is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent at www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com. Livestreaming of Marlin’s services may be viewed at https://my.gather.app/remember/marlin-herrboldt.

Marlin was born on December 21, 1944 to Clarence and Verlina (Hehn) Herrboldt on their family farm near Menno.  He grew up on the farm and attended Morning Star Country School through the 8^th grade and then went to Menno High School, graduating in 1962. Although he had a desire to farm, he volunteered for the draft and served in the U.S. Army from 1963–1965, being assigned to the 1^st Cavalry Airmobile Unit in the Vietnam War.  One of Marlin’s most memorable moments was leaving by ship for Vietnam, being sent through the Panama Canal.  While in Vietnam, Marlin was injured which ended his active duty. Upon returning, he began farming near Menno, marrying his high school sweetheart, Celesta Klaudt, in 1966. Throughout his life, he worked as a phone line repairman, sold and repaired water distillers, helped with the B-Y water project, and farmed all his life.

Marlin loved attending Vietnam Veteran reunions, traveling with his family, going to farm shows, watching movies, reading books, and spending time working on the farm.  He was always there to help others and took pride in his farming.  He also had a deep faith in God and was devoted to his religion throughout his life.

Marlin is survived by his wife, Celesta, of 57 years; two sons, Shannon (Julie) Herrboldt of Menno and Corey (Katherine) Herrboldt of Plainfield, IL; grandchildren, Cody Herrboldt, Christina (Mason) Kaitfors, Carly Herrboldt, and Brooke and Bailey Herrboldt; great-grandchildren, Grace and Mallory Herrboldt and Collins Kaitfors.  He is also survived by his sister, Katherine Watson; brother, Richard (Barb Healy) Herrboldt; sisters-in-law, LaVon Herrboldt and Arlene Klaudt; brother-in-law, Ralph Schulenberg; his aunts, Idella Herrboldt and LaVanna Herrboldt; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Marlin is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Verlina Herrboldt, his brother, Bruce Herrboldt, and brother-in-law, Marvin Watson.