Marvin Conrad, 84

Marvin Albert Conrad, 84, of Bella Vista, Ark., passed away March 30, 2011 at Northwest Medical Center on Benton County in Bentonville, Ark. Marvin was born to Nellie (Swanson) and Arthur Albert Conrad on June 30, 1926, in Minneapolis.

Marvin graduated from South High and began proudly serving in the U.S. Navy shortly after. He was honorably discharged on July 29, 1946, with the rank of Motor Machinist's Mate Third Class. Following his military service, he graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering. On Nov. 10, 1951, he was united in marriage with Audrey Bohn. In 1952, a son, Steven Alan Conrad, was born in Torrance, Calif. They then relocated to Minneapolis where their daughter, Linda Sue, was born in 1953. The family then moved to Hibbing, Minn. where Marvin worked in the Iron Range Area of Minnesota. From there, he was responsible for the construction of Mere Grande Oil Company camp in Venezuela. Marvin then moved his family to Sunnyvale, Calif. where he tested and received his registration for structural engineering in California. They remained there through the remainder of their children's school years. In 1972 they moved to Florence, Ore. where he also received his structural engineering certification and purchased two motels with a restaurant.

Selling all three properties, he then purchased a Best Western at Miami, Okla. in 1978. In 1983 they purchased a hunting and fishing resort near International Falls, Minn. In 1987, the family moved to Ellensburg, Wash. In 1990, Audrey and Marvin moved to Hayden Lake. While living there, Marvin purchased another motel in Lewiston, Idaho. They moved to Bella Vista in 2006, to be near his son.

Marvin owned many RVs through the years and enjoyed camping, hiking, fishing, hunting and square dancing. In Bella Vista, he slowed down and enjoyed having coffee Wednesday, attending church and watching Fox News.

Marvin is survived by his wife of 59 1/2 years; one son, Steve Conrad and his wife Lori of Bella Vista; one daughter, Linda and her husband John Mera of Florida; four grandchildren, three great grandchildren; one brother, Richard and his wife Carol of Minneapolis, and two nephews.

A Memorial Service was held Friday, April 1, 2011, at the Bella Vista Lutheran Church, 1990 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, Arkansas. Arrangements are by the Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, Arkansas.

On-line condolences can be made at www.funeralmation.com