Monroe McKinven, 84, of Martin, died Monday, February 20, 2023 at his home.

Monroe Curtis McKinven was born on December 21 ^st , 1938 in Harvey He was an only child of James & Esther (Heie) McKinven and was the apple of his mother's eye. He grew up working hard on his parents' farm, raising cattle, pigs, & crops.  At the young age of 16 his father died. Monroe took the reins and responsibilities of the farm on his shoulders.  With a very strong work ethic, a bit of stubbornness, and a whole lot of independence & home cooked meals from his mother, Monroe did well. In 1956 he graduated from Harvey High School. After graduation he completed a Farm Course at NDSU in Fargo, ND. He continued farming and raising cattle and pigs.  In 1960 he met the one and only love of his life Pearl Fetzer. They were married June 4, 1967 in Harvey. They had 2 children, Rhonda and Todd.  As they raised their family they continued growing their faith & farm.  They raised thousands of pigs, farm fresh eggs, cattle, and sheep over the years. All with the help of a very strong work ethic, a bit of stubbornness, and a whole lot of independence and of course, home cooked meals from his wife.  There were brief breaks for fishing, threshing shows, state fair or Medora.   Throughout Monroe & Pearl's 55 years of marriage, they enjoyed trips to Branson, MO, square dancing with friends, fishing and their biggest passion, gardening. In 1996 their first grandchild was born.  Contrary to the tough exterior, nothing made Monroe's eyes water more than meeting his 6 grandchildren. It didn't happen near enough, but he loved to go fishing with any of his grandkids.  In the last years that Monroe was active on the farm one harvest was very memorable. Monroe, with his son Todd and 3 of his grandsons, Wesley, Owen, & Ryan harvested the crop together. Recently he had started to "retire" at the age of 84 and still ran a combine when the boys needed a hand during the harvest of 2022. Monroe died at his home on February 20, 2023. He has left a legacy of a strong work ethic, devotion to faith and family, love of farming, a bit of stubbornness and a whole lot of independence.  Over the years Monroe was a member of the Rural Fire Department, Hillsdale Township Board, First Lutheran Church Council, the Wells County Soil Conservation Board, and received the Wells County Conservation award in 1984. Monroe is a current member of Faith Lutheran Church of Harvey.  Monroe is proceeded in death by his parents James & Esther McKinven, step-father Alfred Nordlie and stillborn granddaughter, Ivy Camille McKinven. He is survived by his wife, Pearl McKinven, daughter, Rhonda & Todd Swang, son, Todd & Krysten McKinven; grandkids, Emily (McKinven) & Skylar McKay, Wesley McKinven, Benjamin Swang, Owen McKinven, Ryan McKinven, & Christian Swang; step-sister Janice (Nordlie) Schmidt, step-brother Lee & Karen Nordlie, as well as McKinven cousins.

There will be a private family memorial service in the spring as per Monroe's wishes.

Bless be the memory of Monroe Curtis McKinven.  Arrangements with Hertz Funeral Home, Harvey, ND.