Marvin D. Hawker

Obituary

Marvin Dean Hawker was born on February 7, 1934, in St. Clair, Minnesota. He was the son of Wilbur and Mildred (Flitter) Hawker. He graduated from Lake Crystal High School and continued his education briefly at Mankato State, before learning his machinist and tool & die trade at the Vocational School of Mankato and Dunwoody in Minneapolis.

Marvin served in the United States Army in 1953-54. Although his peace time service in Austria entailed a variety of official duties, his claim to fame was his cutting hair and playing football, all the while keeping Europe safe from a Russian invasion. Marvin was Honorably Discharged on December 2, 1954, at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, and achieved the rank of Corporal.

Marvin was a loving, joyful and kind son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many. His smile, quick wit, diligent work ethic, generous willingness to help anyone at any time, and his unceasing ability to poke fun and stir things up made him a joy to be around.

Marvin married Marilyn Gilbertson in June 1955, and they shared a beautiful marriage and friendship for nearly 70 years. They lived in Mankato before moving to Hutchinson in 1961. Marvin and Marilyn were blessed with three children, Victoria, Steven and Karla, and their spouses; as well as with 11 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

Marvin worked for Johnson Rod & Reel in Mankato as a machinist after his military service and schooling. From 1961 to 1994, Marvin was a machinist, tool and die expert, and supervisor for Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing (3M) in Hutchinson. He prided himself on his problem-solving skills and precision. His co-workers described him as a magician with tools who could design and create mechanical devices and metal forms critical to the manufacturing process better than anyone.

Marvin loved all sports and competition. He played softball, basketball, racquetball, bowling, curling, golf and was an excellent runner in his day. He also was an avid fisherman. People who golfed or fished with him were treated to his humor and light spirit, which entertained friends and family for years.

Marvin loved to share his woodworking and handyman skills to remodel homes for his family and friends. Upon retirement, Marvin was often found at his second home, the Legion or the VFW, where he worked tirelessly to remodel these important centers for veterans and their families. Marvin could fix anything, but cars, which is why they got a new car after 30,000 miles – the one time he was not as concerned about being frugal.

Marvin and Marilyn were Charter Members of Christ the King Lutheran Church in 1963, and they have remained faithful members since. Marvin made sure he, Marilyn and the kids never missed a Sunday and their shoes were polished. There is no corner of the Church that was not fixed or touched up a bit by Marvin’s handyman skills. He loved his faith and expressed it in word and action.

Although Marvin always seemed happy, he cherished most any time spent with his family and grandchildren, sharing stories, encouraging mischief and being a loving presence. He reminded his kids often to “pick up a broom” because there was always work to be done and plenty of ways to earn your keep and help others. Marvin never said a bad word about another person and modeled for his family and friends how goodness and kindness is a beautiful way to spend life.

Marvin passed away on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at Hutchinson Health in Hutchinson, less than a week shy of his 91st birthday.

Blessed be his memory.

Marvin is survived by his:
Wife, Marilyn Hawker of Hutchinson, MN;
Children, Victoria Powell and her husband, James of Houston, TX,
Steven Hawker and his wife, Holli of Chanhassen, MN,
Karla McGraw and her husband, Michael of Hutchinson, MN;
Grandchildren, Michal Hawker, David Hawker, Jesse Hawker, Hannah Touchette, Erin Hawker, Maddie Hawker, Nora Kohli, Riley McGraw, Christopher Powell, Oskana Powell;
Great-grandchildren, David Burns-Hawker, Clayton Powell, Berit Hawker, Burke Hawker, Joseph May, Callier May, Maren Kohli, Millie Kohli;
Sister-in-law, Ruth Hawker of Waseca, MN;
Sister, Phyllis Visher and her husband, Charles of Park Rapids, MN;
Many other relatives and friends.

Marvin is preceded in death by his Parents, Wilbur and Mildred Hawker; Father-in-law, Lester Gilbertson; Mother-in-law, Gladys Gilbertson; Brother, Wayne Hawker; Sister, Judith Hawker; Sister-in-law, Sharon Lewis; Granddaughter, Kaitlin May.