Marlyn Fearing, 84

Marlyn Fearing, known as “Skip” and “Sonny” to his family and friends, was swept to Heaven August 20, 2012, while sitting in his yard enjoying the fruits of his labors. He was 84 years old and lived in Starbuck.

Born May 19, 1928 in Osakis during the Great Depression, he was one of eight children raised by his loving parents, Lester and Alice Fearing. As the eldest son, he worked several jobs including setting pins in the local bowling alley to bring money home for his family.

Some of his fondest memories as a child were spending time on his grandparents’ farm and fishing the waters of Minnesota. In fact, fishing was his favorite pastime, having fished the salt waters of the Atlantic and Pacific, the rivers, streams and lakes in New Hampshire, the many lakes in Minnesota as well as dropping a line over the side of a Navy vessel in many visiting nations.

In 1945, Skip enlisted in the U.S. Navy and participated in WWII, the Korean conflict and the Vietnam War. He spent the 20 years serving the country he loved before retiring at the rank of chief petty officer. He often said his Navy years were some of his best as it gave him the opportunity to see the world.

Once a civilian again, he moved his family to New Hampshire and started a small business painting homes before joining the U.S. government as a postal employee. He eventually became the postmaster in Pelham and Brookline, New Hampshire, where he was loved and respected by all.

After retiring from the postal service, he spent the rest of his years enjoying his family and friends, traveling, fishing and gardening. He would share his bounty with anyone and everyone, giving food to whomever he felt needed it.

Everyone who ever met Skip immediately liked him. He was a wonderful person with a great sense of humor. When his son was very young, he asked Skip why everyone called him “Sonny” and Skip quickly replied, “Because I’m so bright!” Always a joker, he caused a smile everywhere he went.

He leaves his loving wife, Helen “Holly” Fearing of Starbuck; his daughters, Linda Drew of Concord, NH and Kathy Lantry of Starbuck; his son, David (Pamela) Fearing of Goffstown, NH; brother, Gerald (Pat) Fearing of Alexandria; sisters, Cindy Bodeker of Sauk Centre, Geraldine Kirkof of Maple Grove, Cheryl (Lyle) Kiecker of Burnsville and Darlene Jenkins of Alexandria; stepchildren, John Wold of Gaylord, Jaynie Ecker of Troy, TX, Julie Harrington of Summerville, SC and Jack Wold of Safety Harbor, FL; 16 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; nephews and nieces; as well as many friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Skip was preceded in death by his first wife of 35 years, Elizabeth “Betty” Fearing; son-in-law, Alan Drew; his parents and sisters, Marcella Jung and Ramona Bagstad.

Memorial services were held Friday, August 24 at Fron Lutheran Church in Starbuck. The Rev. Paul Johnson officiated. Burial was at Fron Lutheran Cemetery. Military rites were provided by the Starbuck VFW.

To send condolences to the family, please visit www.pedersenfh.com.

Arrangements are being handled by the Starbuck Funeral Home.

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