Marvin Dombrowe

Marvin "Dutch" Dombrowe, 97, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away peacefully on February 5th, 2022 at Bethesda Nursing Home in Aberdeen SD.

Funeral Service will be on Thursday, February 10, 2022 at 2 p.m. at Paetznick-Garness Funeral Chapel in Groton, SD, with Rev. Rodney Ulmer officiating, with family present one hour prior to service. Masks are strongly encouraged. Interment will be at the Huffton Cemetery.

Marvin Willard Dombrowe, known to many as “Dutch,” was born on June 27, 1924 in Aberdeen, SD; the only child of Oscar W. and Katherine (Worthy) Dombrowe. Marvin graduated from Claremont High School in 1943. Marvin attended Northern State University and then began farming with his father. In 1946, Marvin married Burlene (Beany) Dwight and three children were born to this union: Marva, Darcey and Barney.

In 1965, Marvin and Beany moved to Aberdeen, SD where Marvin became a realtor and entrepreneur. Together, Burlene and Marvin founded Bur-Mar’s Shoes in the Super City Mall in Aberdeen, which still operates under their hyphenated namesake in the Aberdeen Mall. In addition to his real estate and business ventures, Marvin enjoyed bowling and playing poker with “the guys.”

Marvin was affectionately known by his grandchildren and great grandchildren as “Boppi Marv.” Boppi Marv enjoyed attending all of his grandchildren’s activities, including basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, volleyball, dance and music concerts. If a Minnesota Twins baseball game was on television, Boppi Marv was watching it.

In 1972, Marvin married Marlene Young.

Marvin was proud of the fact that he was able to live independently in his home, prior to his passing.

Grateful for having shared in his life are his children: Marva (Lonald) Gellhaus, of Groton, SD; Darcey Lesher, of Aberdeen SD; and Barney Dombrowe, of Claremont, SD; 6 Grandchildren: Nathan (Gabriela) Gellhaus, Alissa (Troy) Presuhn, Skye (Barb) Lesher, Luke Lesher, Brooke (Kevin) Hagen, and Katie Dombrowe; 12 Great Grandchildren: Dante Gellhaus, Bianca Gellhaus, Jackson Wells, Samuel Wells, Riley Presuhn, Trey Presuhn, Kaelyn Lesher, Trevor Lesher, Kelsey Lesher, Willow Hagen, Jada Dombrowe-Salo, and Dillynn Wicks; and, 4 Step Children: Michelle Baltzell, Kim Flaig, Lanny Carey, and Mike Carey.

Preceding Marvin in death were: his parents, Oscar and Katherine Worthy Dombrowe; his wife, Burlene; his wife, Marlene; and his son-in-law, Leo Lesher.

On the Worthy Branch of his family tree, Marvin is a direct descendant of Mary Allerton (1616-1699) who came to Plymouth Rock on the Mayflower in 1620.

The family wishes to thank the Avera Hospice and Bethesda Nursing Home staff for their kind devotion and care for Marvin.

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