Rev. Dr. Marlin R. Vetter, 64, died Friday, January 28, 2011, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. He was born June 5, 1946 in Minot, ND to Ray and Agnes (Johnson) Vetter. He graduated from high school in Chamberlain, SD in 1964. Marlin married Norma J. Audiss in Chamberlain on September 3, 1966. Marlin was a proud graduate of Augustana College in 1968. He was going to enter the seminary, but felt called to serve his country. He served in Vietnam and was wounded twice. Marlin received the Bronze Star, Silver Star, and two Purple Hearts. After two years of service in the Army, Marlin went to Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN. He interned in Chippewa Falls, WI and then decided to get his Masters degree in Dublin, Ireland. He then got his Doctorate in World Theology. Marlin was ordained in Clear Lake, SD and served a parish in Wakonda/rural Vermillion, SD for five years. He re-entered the U.S. Army and became a chaplain in 1980. Marlin was trained to be a hospital chaplain and really felt it was so meaningful in his ministry. He retired from the Army and served many parishes in South Dakota, currently serving as pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church, rural Flandreau. Marlin was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church and was chaplain for the Purple Heart Club.

Marlin is survived by his wife, Norma, Sioux Falls; one son, Ramie (Bonnie) Vetter, Fairmont, MN; his parents, Raymond and Agnes Vetter, Mesa, AZ; three grandchildren, Parker, Noah, and Jonah; three sisters, Gwen Johnson, Mesa, AZ, Jackie (Jack) Lakoduk, FL, and Corey (Bob) Doran, CA.

Due to weather services have changed.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am Wednesday, February 2, 2011 at Messiah Lutheran Church, rural Flandreau, with burial at Lakeside Cemetery, Fairmont, MN. Visitation begins at 5:00 pm Tuesday at Skroch Funeral Chapel, Flandreau, with a 7:00 pm prayer service.