Marvin Dean Kussatz

Marvin Dean Kussatz, age 81, of Sebeka, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home on June 6, 2024.

Marvin Dean Kussatz was born on September 27, 1942, to Alfred and Esther (Marlow) Kussatz at Wesley Hospital in Wadena, Minnesota.  Marvin grew up east of Sebeka, graduating in 1960 from Sebeka High School.  

Throughout his life he did construction and carpentry work for others and then on his own. He started driving school bus for Sebeka in 1992, retiring in the spring of 2008. 

In Marvin’s own words, “my life was work and baseball.”  He enjoyed daily crossword puzzles and was always channel surfing various sports.  His passion was baseball, played for the Red Eye Country Boys for 27 years and manager for seven years.  He shared his love of this sport with his family either playing catch or pitching endless balls.

Marvin met his long time significant other Vicki Makela and with this union he gained three children, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Marvin’s greatest pride was being called Grandpa.  His patience, kindness, and generosity were impressive.  He spent endless hours in his woodworking shop making gifts. Marvin would take the grandkids to the Red Eye River to catch minnows. He always remembered to measure their heights on the door frame in the garage and always gave them a high-five goodbye.

Marvin is survived by his significant other of 34 years Vicki Makela of Sebeka; three children: Wendy (Bobby) Haverinen, John Makela, and Meladee (Brian) Haverinen; grandchildren: Cody Waln, Christopher Waln, Kara (Brenen) Brockpahler, Levi (Kendra) Haverinen, Allie Haverinen; Cage Haverinen; and Tanner Haverinen; three great-grandchildren: Waylon and Linus Brockpahler, Lilian Haverinen;  sisters: Joyce Richards of Ishpeming, Michigan and LeAnn Bartol of Hibbing, Minnesota;  numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

Marvin is preceded in death by his parents Esther and Alfred Kussatz, brothers Floyd, Gary, Melvin, and Gordon, sister Jean Steffens, brothers-in-law Duane Dobson, Sam Richards, Dale Johanning, Alan Steffens, Rick Bartol, sisters-in-law Evelyn Kussatz and Mavis Kussatz, nephews Larry Dobson and Raymond Kussatz, and son-in-law Kevin Waln.

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