Thomas Ray Marler

Thomas Ray Marler, Sr., Tom, was born on 20 February 1932 in the farm home of his grandparents in Lebanon Township, McHenry County, N.D. to Fred T. & Alma Ethel (Rawlins) Marler. He attended public schools in Velva, N.D. and graduated in 1950 from Velva High School. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict attaining the rank of Sergeant. Tom received these badges and commendations from his service: Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, United Nations Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, and the National Defense Service Medal. Tom returned home after his service to resume his career with Northwestern Bell Telephone Company. Tom's career with Northwestern Bell, later US West, spanned 39 years in various craft and management positions, rising from lineman, to combination man, to engineer in Williston, N.D. and after 1966 in Grand Forks, N.D. until his retirement in 1989. Tom married Myrtle Irene Howe on 20 March 1952 at Velva, N.D. Together they raised their 3 children Jackie, Cheryl and Tom, Jr. in Williston and Grand Forks, N.D. Myrtle died on 25 November 2000. On 19 May 2002, Tom married Catherine Brey and they made their home in Grand Forks, N.D. since. Tom had numerous pasttimes including hunting, fishing, attending auction sales and dog shows. He was an avid card player and a lifetime member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Tom was a talented and capable woodworker and fixit man, exhibiting keen attention to details and analysis. Tom is survived by his wife Catherine Brey-Marler, children, Jacqueline (Larry Nelson) Marler, Cheryl (Marvin) Halldorson, Thomas (Lori Ness) Marler, Jr; Shelley (James) Olson, Kelly Brey, grandchild Jaime (Brad) Rutherford, and great grandchild Olivia Rutherford; a brother-in-law Roger (Phyllis) Howe and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Tom was predeceased by his first wife Myrtle, his parents and his half-brother, Fred T. Marler, Jr. FUNERAL SERVICES: 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 14 at Wesley United Methodist Church in Grand Forks. VISITATION: One hour prior to the service at the church. INTERMENT: Memorial Park Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND. Military Honors By the: N.D. Army National Guard Military Funeral Honors East Grand Forks American Legion Post #157 East Grand Forks Veterans of Foreign Wars Post # 3817 A guestbook may be signed or viewed at www.amundsonfuneralhome.com