Obituary | Modeste Marin of Selby, South Dakota

December 25, 1930 – February 12, 2025

Funeral services for Modeste “Moe” Marin, 94, of Selby will be at 11 AM, Monday, February 17, 2025, at the Selby Methodist Church. Burial will be at Selby Memorial Gardens under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Visitation will start at 5 PM Sunday with a prayer service at 7 PM at the church. Moe passed away Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at the Bowdle Hospital.  

Modeste Earl Marin “Moe” was born on December 25,1930 to Warner Earl and Olga Viola (Tucker) Marin on the family farm near Selby. He attended Wayside Country School until 8th grade and then transferred to Selby High School. Where he enjoyed playing football.  He was needed on the farm, so he quit school and began farming full-time with his father.   In November of 1950 he decided to serve his country and joined the Air Force.   He went through basic training in San Antonio TX, and upon completion was stationed at Anchorage Air Force Base in Anchorage, AK until he was reassigned to Eglin Air Force Base in FL.  He served there until being honorably discharged in November of 1954. 
Moe met the love of his life, Lavona Turner, after being set up on a blind date by a good friend who was dating Lavona’s roommate.   It didn’t take but a few trips to Dallas and they fell in love and were married July 11, 1953. They made their first home in Florida, and it was there that they welcomed their firstborn Angela to the family. 

Upon Moe’s discharge from the service in 1954 they moved to South Dakota where he again farmed with his father until he took over the farm.  While on the farm they welcomed two more children, Stanley and Suzanne.  In 1980, he moved into Selby, where he has since made his home.   Moe continued to travel to the farm daily until he retired.  
During his time on the farm, he raised Charolais cattle and held a seat on the Charolais associated board.  He also served on the ASCS board, the Selby Equity board, and First National Bank board to name a few. 
He was a member of many clubs and groups in the community over the years and a faithful member of the Selby Methodist Church.
Moe could often be found in his shop doing stain glass work or woodworking.   He also worked with a group of people that spent many hours restoring/ repairing the beautiful windows in the Selby Methodist Church.
Moe and Lavona were members of the Weekend Loafers camping group and enjoyed numerous outings with the group.   They decided to travel south for a few years, where they enjoyed golfing in the warm weather. Moe loved spending time with family and friends and could often be seen making his rounds with his golf cart or scooter.  

Moe is survived by his daughter, Suzanne (Dewayne) Kirschman of Selby, grandchildren, Matthew Kirschman of Brookings, Brian (Brooke) Kirschman of Selby, and Haley (Theo) Ruppanner of Dalhart, TX, brother Don (Jeanette) Marin, Payson, AZ, sister- in- law Phyllis Turner, Mesquite TX, foreign exchange daughter Inge (Peter) Nadhazi of Denmark.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Lavona, son, Stanley, daughter, Angie, and sister Myrtle Schilling.

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