Marvin Lee Heggem

Marvin Lee Heggem, born on September 23, 1954 in Spearfish, South Dakota passed away on April 3, 2024, at the age of 69 in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Marvin’s parents, Melvin & Martha (Thomas) Heggem joined their names to create Marvin’s, taking the “Mar” from Martha and the “vin” from Melvin. And, as it turned out his character seemed 100% built on this combination. He loved everything country. He was forever trying to mimic the example set by his father. The time and toil it took to complete a project just added to his joy in seeing the final product. Each season brought new challenges but he thrived on working through them and finding a solution. And as he got older he gained more confidence in working in God’s workshop. Marvin’s love for this passion grew daily. His mom was the greatest influence in learning about and trusting in God. Marvin’s rope messages on social media were faithfully followed and enjoyed by many.
Marvin’s structured education was gained at Tarter School, north of Camp Crook, his first eight years, Spearfish High School the following four, and enjoyed most his months spent learning saddle making at J&M Sadderly in Whitewood.
Marvin worked for anyone who needed his help doing anything he could. Helping family, friends and neighbors was his absolute favorite. He spent many years at Sky Ranch near Camp Crook and later at Fort Hays in Rapid City where he shared his message of God’s love while demonstrating his rope making technique.
Preceding Marvin in death are his parents’ Melvin and Martha, all of his treasured uncles and aunts, brother-in-law Lonny Balo and great nephew, Jaxon Klempel.
Marvin’s legacy is carried forward by his wife, Linda and daughter MaKinzie Heggem; step-children Rebecca (Matt) Schaunaman, Jeremie (Holly) Fischer; grandchildren Tanner Schaunaman (fiancé Abby Burkhart), Kaitlyn (Layton) Schaunaman Davis, Kyla, Connor, Olivia and Wayne Schaunaman, Tom Cooper, Tyler and David Fischer, and Jesse Cooper; brother Mark (Jamie) Heggem; sisters Marcia (Mark) Lermeny, and Mona Balo; & many nieces and nephews.
His wishes were for his ashes to be spread on the Montana border in the west pasture of the ranch he so dearly loved.
Marvin’s life reminds us that every person we meet is an opportunity to share the gospel of Christ to make a positive impact, and every challenge we face is a chance to demonstrate our resilience and ingenuity. Let us celebrate Marvin, not with sorrow for his absence, but with gratitude for his enduring presence in the fabric of our memories.