Marvin Otto Polehn
Marvin, age 88, of The Dalles, Oregon, passed away peacefully Thursday evening, February 3, 2022 at his home, surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Marvin was born August 24 1933, in Tenino, Washington and was preceded in death by his parents, Otto Frederick Leo Polehn and Emma Delinda Spieckerman, his brother Leo Frederick Polehn (2019) and sister Margarette Ann Polehn Chisholm (2017). Marvin was baptized at the home of his parents on October 8,1933. He attended The Dalles schools and spent his youth on Millcreek, working on various family farms including Millcreek, Dry Hollow, Three Mile, Five Mile and Sherman County. He also worked as a mechanic for the local Ford garage. Enlisting in the US Army February 19, 1953 he was assigned to the motor pool as a wheeled vehicle mechanic. After serving 3 years, 3 months, 13 days, of which 1 year, 4 months and 28 days in Korea, Marvin was honorably discharged.
He married his bride Donella Potter in Linden, California, on April 14,1956. Immediately after her high school graduation, Marvin and Doni loaded up what little possessions they had and headed north to The Dalles, Oregon, as cherry harvest was just days away. They lived in a farm labor camp on Skyline Rd. Marvin helped his uncle farm until they could move to a small home on Otto and Emma's property on Dry Hollow Rd. Marvin worked as a Journeyman carpenter and roofer while farming the homeplace. Within a few years he and Donella were able to grow the farm enough to become full time orchardists. In 1972 he bought 300 ewes to support the family and shepherd them for 10 years, eventually establishing Polehn Farms Inc. in 1983. They went on to build a cherry packing house just outside the city limits on Dry Hollow Rd. In 1989.
Marvin was a true leader and innovator in the orchard community all his adult life. His property received the first water delivered through The Dalles Irrigation District from the Columbia River and among the first orchardists to establish a permanent cover crop to prevent erosion. He was well respected among his fellow orchardists, making himself available to help repair equipment and sharing his wealth of knowledge about best horticultural practices.
Marvin was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church and The Wasco County Farm Bureau. He served his community in many ways including The Dalles Irrigation District Board of Directors, Wasco County Soil & Water Conservation District, The Dalles Cherry Growers Board of Directors, Fort Dalles Museum, Wasco County Republican Central Committee and Zion Lutheran Church Council.
Marvin delighted in restoring broken cars and equipment back to working condition and was willing to teach anyone who was willing to learn mechanics, carpentry, or anything else he was passionate about. What Marvin enjoyed the most was fixing and driving old Caterpillar equipment and reminiscing about his family and friends who inspired him. He was also generous in donating his time, talents and financial support to community and church projects. Marvin also had a deep love and appreciation for animals, horses, cows, sheep, cats and especially his dogs. He went out of his way to make sure all his children and grandchildren had the opportunity to raise livestock and participate in 4-H and FFA.
Marvin is well known for his strength and large hands. He knew how to be gentle and caring with animals and people in need of kindness and strength. He was a quiet man who didn’t seek attention or to boast about his accomplishments.
Community awards include FFA, Honorary Chapter Farmer Degree 1974, The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce Farmer of the year 1974, Senior Ambassador, "KING BING" The Dalles Cherry Festival 1996, Wasco County Fruit & Produce League, award for outstanding contributions to the sweet cherry industry 2004.
He was a dedicated husband of 65 years, father, teacher, Orchardist, Mechanic, Carpenter, shepherd, and friend.
Marvin is survived by his wife Donella Polehn, his children Delinda Jane Polehn Anderson, Kenneth Marvin Polehn, Molly Ann Polehn Lapsley and Timothy William Polehn, 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren with one on the way and was preceded in death by Daughter Karen Marie Polehn (2019).
In lieu of Flowers donations can be made to either the Zion Lutheran Church Trust fund or the Fort Dalles Museum.