Marvin Stanley Ahlstrand

Florence - Marvin Stanley Ahlstrand was born on April 17, 1951 in Kingsburg, CA, the only son of Stanley and Ruby Ahlstrand. He was brother to Lois Ahlstrand Harder, Eleanor Ahlstrand, and Nancy Ahlstrand Andrews.

Marvin married Susan Schearer on June 19, 1976. They have two children, son Kurt Ahlstrand, married to Beth Festa Ahlstrand, and daughter Whitney Ahlstrand Alexander, married to Mark Alexander. Marvin has five grandchildren, Emma and Clara from son Kurt, and Evynne (pronounced Evan), Ethan, and Bridger from daughter Whitney.

He grew up in the small town of Kingsburg, CA, in the San Joaquin Valley just south of Fresno. Marvin, along with his parents and sisters lived on a family farm where he learned the value of hard work, much like his Dad.

He attended school in Kingsburg, CA, graduating from Kingsburg High School in 1969. While in High School, he was on the wrestling and football teams. In 1967 the Kingsburg High School Football team was so exceptional that they won the California State Championship.

As a young boy, Marvin grew up in the Evangelical Covenant Church where, later, he and Susan would be married. In this church, he learned of the love of Jesus, but it wasn’t until he was 21, that he truly came to know his Lord.

After High School, Marvin attended Fresno State University, graduating in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management.

After they were married in 1976, Marvin and his wife Susan began their own construction company in the San Joaquin Valley, which they continued for several years. Future moves included Madera and Fresno, CA, and Woodinville, WA, where both of their children graduated from High School. Later on they moved to Post Falls, ID to live near their grandchildren, and more recently (again following their grandchildren), moved to Corvallis, Stevensville, and then Florence, MT. His oldest granddaughter, while learning to talk, named him “Happy,” a name which has stuck since for all of the grand kids and even some of their friends. After he “retired” he began another business, AAA Field Mowing, serving the Bitterroot Valley.

Marvin and Susan were members of Lolo Community Church for several years. Marvin was asked to serve as a church elder which he humbly and happily accepted. He also led a Home Group Bible Study for many years, making sure to be the first to invite all the new folks he saw at Lolo Church before any of the other small group leaders could invite them.

Marvin passed away with Susan by his side, singing hymns to him in the early morning hours of July 4, 2025 after an aggressive battle with cancer. His son and daughter were there to comfort and mourn with their mom Susan shortly after his last breath. He went to Heaven with a fireworks send-off and gained independence from his earthly sick body.

Marvin will be greatly missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, sisters, and so many other family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following: Samaritan’s Purse – Operation Christmas Child in Marvin’s name https://www.samaritanspurse.org/memorial-page/marvin-ahlstrand-florence-mt/

Go Fund Me – Help Secure Susan's Forever Home https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-secure-susans-forever-home

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

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