Marlin John “Spike” Lothspeich, age 92 of Park River, North Dakota passed away Saturday, July 27, 2024 at First Care Health Center of Park River. Marlin John Lothspeich was born July 24, 1932 in Wales, North Dakota, the son of the late Edward and Rose (Dirkes) Lothspeich. He attended and graduated from Wales High School. Marlin was drafted into the U.S. Air Force, serving as a medic during the Korean Conflict. He returned home after his honorable discharge. Marlin was united in marriage to Patricia Lindsay on June 18, 1956 in Langdon, North Dakota. The couple made their home in Park River where they raised their four daughters. Education was important to Spike and he was proud that all his daughters completed their college educations. Spike worked a majority of his career in the agricultural industry, later becoming the manager/owner/operator of Valley Sprayers, a crop-spraying business in Park River. During this time he formed many lasting relationships with area farmers and people in the surrounding communities. His beloved wife, Pat, passed away June 5, 2004. Spike was her main caregiver during her battle with cancer and did so selflessly. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the Paul Farup American Legion Post #147 where he served as Commander from 1978 to 1979. Spike was also one of the longest standing members of the Park River Volunteer Fire Department. Spike was a gardener at heart. It fed his soul and he gladly shared his vegetables, gladiolas and vast knowledge with others. He also spent many hours fishing both locally and in Canada and knew all the best places to wet a line. He also wasn’t one to stay idle. Whether it was the next field to check, season to hunt, or card game at the bakery; Spike was always thinking of what was next. Marlin is survived by his daughters: Cheri Lothspeich, Park River, ND; Lori Kalgard, Fargo, ND; Jodi (Robert) Onstad, Denver, CO; Kari (Brad) Novak, West Fargo, ND; his grandchildren: Kory Kalgard, Lindsay Jelinek, Kiley Dusek, Laken Novak, Jaden Novak and Morgen Novak; seven great grandchildren and sister, Ann (Larry) Hagen, Bismarck, ND. He was preceded in death by his wife Pat, his parents and eight brothers. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Park River. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5:00-7:00 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at Tollefson Funeral Home of Park River. Friends may call at the church on Wednesday for one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be at Calvary Cemetery, Park River. Military Rites will be provided by Paul Farup American Legion Post #147 and the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard. Memorials are preferred to First Care Health Center, Park River; the Park River Volunteer Ambulance Service; Paul Farup American Legion Post #147 or the Park River Volunteer Fire Department. Spike’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone at First Care Health Center for the compassionate care he and his family received.
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