Marvin M. Gradert, 87, of Terre Haute, Indiana, and formerly of Luverne, Minnesota, passed away Sunday evening, July 17, 2022.
He was a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the United States Air Force, serving 27 years as a fighter pilot.
He was born December 8, 1934, in Virgil, South Dakota, to Carl Gradert and Martha Micheel Gradert.
Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Donnalee Boland Gradert; a daughter, Tamara Gradert of Texas; a son, Scott Gradert (Fariba) of California; and a granddaughter, Nakissa Gradert (Dominick).
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and a sister.
Marvin was a graduate of Hampton Institute in Hampton, Virginia, where he earned his bachelor’s degree and received his MBA degree from Golden Gate University in San Francisco.
During his career with the Air Force, he served 2 ½ tours during the Vietnam War. During the Vietnam War he taught at The Fighter Weapons USAF (Top Gun) School Nellis AFB.
Upon retirement from the Air Force, Marvin continued working as a pilot, flying for Piedmont/US Airlines. He was a member of Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, American Legion Post #0123 of Luverne, and VFW Post #972 of Terre Haute.
Marvin was a golfer and enjoyed running, but most of all loved woodworking and making furniture and all kinds of useful items out of wood.
Funeral services were conducted at 4 p.m. Sunday, July 24, 2022, in Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, 645 Poplar Street, with Pastor Philip G. Meyer officiating. Visitation was prior to services on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. in the church.
Graveside services with military honors were at 1 p.m. (CDT), Wednesday, July 27, 2022, in Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne.
Arrangements were under the direction of Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home, 605 South 25th Street, callahanandhughes.com
If friends should so desire, memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, 645 Poplar Street, Terre Haute, IN 47807 or to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 4400 Clayton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110.
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