Marvin M. Gradert

Marvin M. Gradert, 87, of Terre Haute passed away Sunday evening, July 17, 2022.  He was a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the United States Air Force serving 27 years as a Fighter Pilot.  He was born December 8, 1934 in Virgil, South Dakota to Carl Gradert and Martha Micheel Gradert.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Donnalee Boland Gradert;  a daughter, Tamara Gradert of Texas;  a son, Scott Gradert (Fariba) of CA;  and a granddaughter, Nakissa Gradert (Dominick).  He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and a sister.

Marvin was a graduate of Hampton Institute in Hampton, VA where he earned his Bachelor’s degree and received his MBA degree from Golden Gate University in San Francisco.  During his career with the Air Force, he served 2 ½ tours during the Vietnam War.  Upon retirement from the Air Force, Marvin continued working as a pilot flying for Piedmont/US Airlines.  He was a member of Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, American Legion Post #0123 of Luverne, MN and VFW Post #972 of Terre Haute.  Marvin was a golfer and enjoyed running, but most of all loved woodworking and making furniture and all kinds of useful items out of wood.

Funeral services will be conducted at 4:00 PM, Sunday, July 24, 2022 in Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, 645 Poplar Street, with Pastor Philip G. Meyer officiating.  Visitation is scheduled prior to services on Sunday from 2:00-4:00 PM in the church.

Graveside services with Military Honors are scheduled for 1:00 PM (CDT), Wednesday, July 27, 2022 in Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne, MN.

Arrangements are under the direction of Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home, 605 South 25 ^th Street.  If friends should so desire memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, 645 Poplar Street, Terre Haute, IN 47807 or to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 4400 Clayton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110.  Funeral information and tributes may be found at www.callahanandhughes.com .