Marvin Andrew Klein

August 23, 1947 – November 30, 2025

Marvin was born in Bismarck, ND, on August 23, 1947, the son of Andrew and Lily (Parker) Klein. He was raised in Carson alongside his siblings Ray, Steve, Tony and Mary Kay. Marvin attended school in Carson, graduating in 1965. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, proudly serving two tours in Vietnam. His first tour took him from Da Nang to Phu Bai; his second brought him from Phu Bai through the DMZ, Cam Lo, and Khe Sanh. After being honorably discharged in 1969, Marvin returned to North Dakota and went on to attend Dickinson State College, where he earned an associate’s degree in economics and lettered on the rodeo team. During his college years, he and his teammates developed what would become the Country Western Jamboree in Dickinson, created to support the college rodeo program. Marvin began fighting bulls at the age of 14 for J.C. Stevenson, working amateur rodeos where his natural ability quickly stood out. With encouragement from J.C. and Jim Weeks, he developed into one of the finest bullfighters in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Marvin often joked that the job required a man to be “a-gyle, fra-gyle, and mo-byle”-and he quickly became a respected and memorable figure in the arena. As a high school sophomore in 1962, Marvin was selected as the bullfighter for the very first NDRA Finals Rodeo in Valley City. He earned his RCA card in 1970 and his PRCA card in 1975, competing professionally through 1988. His career highlights were many: fighting and clowning at the North Dakota Prison Rodeo from 1973–1987; being named Badlands Circuit Bullfighter of the Year in 1978, 1979, and 1980; working the 1980 National High School Finals Rodeo in Yakima, WA; and competing in the prestigious Wrangler Bullfighters Match in Colorado Springs, where he faced the legendary fighting bull Crooked Nose-the only fighting bull ever inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. Marvin married Nancy Volk on October 23, 1984, in Mandan, ND, and together they made their home on the ranch in Solen. Alongside his rodeo and ranching life, Marvin was also a proud ironworker for Local 512, clocking more than 30 years of dedicated work. In 1988, Marvin officially hung up his rodeo hat and returned full-time to ranch life, naming his place the M.T. Pockets Ranch. Though he retired from the arena, he never lost his love for rodeo. He continued to attend Rodeo Clown Reunions across the country, including the most recent gathering in Mandan over the Fourth of July. His passion, humor, and generosity continued to inspire the next generation of bullfighters. Marvin and Nancy cherished their many reunion trips, spending time with their beloved “rodeo family.” Their final reunion together took them to Santa Fe, NM-a trip filled with laughter, friendship, and treasured memories. The two of them were always a joy to watch on the dance floor-swing, two-step, polka, or waltz-their connection unmistakable and their energy contagious. After retiring from rodeo, Marvin and Nancy began hosting a BBQ as a thank-you to the neighbors and family who helped on the ranch during his rodeo years. What started as a single gesture of gratitude grew into a cherished 24-year tradition. Marvin loved attending his granddaughters’ school activities and especially enjoyed watching them compete in North Dakota Junior High and High School Rodeo. He proudly brought Sydney and Kelsey to his reunions to introduce them to his longtime friends. The girls took turns bringing Papa his supper each night, always returning home with a Hershey Nugget in hand. Whether at a family event, a prom, or a rodeo reunion, Marvin was known to reach into his pocket and pull out a red clown nose for a picture-ensuring every moment including a little laughter. Marvin will be missed by his son, Cobey (Anne) Klein, and granddaughters Sydney and Kelsey, all of the M.T. Pockets Ranch, ND; his daughter, Brittany Burns; his brothers Ray (Joan) Klein of Belle Fourche, SD, and Steve Klein of Carson, ND; his sister, Mary Kay Budmayr of Pierre, SD; sisters-in-law Elaine Volk and Janice Freeman, both of Mandan; brothers-in-law Jim (Diane) Volk of Sheridan, WY, and Monte (Tina) Volk of Mandan, ND; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy; his parents, Andrew and Lily Klein; and his brother, Anthony “Tony” Klein.