Page created by: Mike Sistad

October 6, 1934 – January 22, 2023
Marlyn Arnold Sistad, 88, of Grygla, MN, passed away Sunday, January 22, 2023, at Essentia Health Living Center Fosston surrounded by his family after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was born on his great-grandparents farm in Neilsville, MN to Marvin and Alice (Waale) Sistad. Marlyn was baptized at St. Petri Church in Neilsville, MN and later confirmed at the Valley Church near Grygla, MN. He grew up in Benville Township, east of Grygla, with his eight siblings working on the family farm. He attended the country grade school in Grygla and graduated from Goodridge High School in 1952.
After graduation, Marlyn stayed home to work and support the family farm, fondly recalling logging with his brother Gene. After a few years, he began working construction near the Iron Range. During this time, he met Gloria (Lunsetter) Sistad. They married on December 23, 1957 at the United Lutheran Church in Gatzke, MN. Having been drafted into the Army, Marlyn was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas. Upon completion of two years of military service, they moved to East Grand Forks. During that time, they welcomed their two sons, Mark and Mike.
Marlyn and Gloria then moved to Stewartville, MN where they raised their boys and lived for 30 years. They bought and managed Sistad Mobile Home Park in Stewartville. Marlyn had an incredible work ethic and was a dedicated provider for his family, with a desire to make things better for his younger siblings and next generations. He committed himself to his career as an Iron Worker and served as a charter member of the North Dakota Iron Workers Union Local which later became part of Local 512 of St. Paul, MN. Mark started the first 15 years of his career as an Iron Worker alongside his dad, Marlyn. Upon retirement, Marlyn and Gloria returned to their beloved farm in rural Grygla, MN in 1997.
Marlyn took an immense amount of pride in the farm. He made sure the buildings and the yard looked like they were straight out of a painting. Music was always a large part of their life; Marlyn was a wonderful husband and father who loved dancing with Gloria while listening to Mike play with The Back Behind the Barn Boys. He always looked forward to spending time with his grandchildren who put a smile on his face.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 65 years, Gloria; sons, Mark (Janna) Sistad of Grygla, MN and Mike (Julie) Sistad of Nashville, TN; seven grandchildren: Amie (Norman), Amber, Joe (Kim), Justin (Jacqui), Abigail (Zack), Erik and Mya; twelve great-grandchildren and one on the way: Caleb, Lucas, Gabriela, Freyja, Julian, Brooke, Layla, Brayden, Mason, Noah, Evelyn, Eleanor and Baby Andrews; one sister: Wanda (Owen) and six brothers: Gene (Kay), Dennis (Ilene), Roger (Diane), Richard, Gary (Linda), and Keith (Ruby) as well as many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by both parents, Marvin and Alice, his young brother, Wayne and sister-in-law Karlyn.