Marshall Liudahl

Marshall Liudahl, husband of Janice and father of Mike, Sandy and Matt, died at CHI St. Alexius Health in Bismarck ND on August 2nd 2025 following a brief battle with brain cancer at the age of 78. His sudden absence leaves a huge void in the lives of his family and many others

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 am, Thursday, August 14, at Inspire Family Fellowship, 523 N 21st St, Bismarck. A time of gathering will be held from 5:00-7:00 pm, Wednesday, August 13, at Inspire Family Fellowship, 523 N 21st St, Bismarck. Burial will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan.

Marshall Wayne Liudahl was born February 24 1947 to Ardell and Audrey (Thompson) Liudahl in Park River ND. He was baptized in the Lutheran faith in Sharon ND. In 1951 the family moved to Williston ND where they began dairy farming. At an early age Marshall learned about hard work and long days on the farm, with feeding and milking chores before and after classes at Palmer School.

Marshall was heavily involved with 4-H and FFA until age 18, participating in livestock showing & judging. He was also active in the Luther League group. He attended Williston High School and was part of stage productions for Coyote Capers and Playmakers. Marshall was a proud member of the graduating class of 1965. Marshall attended ND State College of Science in Wahpeton ND, graduating in 1967 with a certification in Auto Technology. He returned to the family farm until enlisting in the US Air Force in 1968. Marshall was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base near Rapid City SD. His duties included inspection & maintenance of the Minuteman missile systems installed around western SD. He earned the rank of sergeant and was honorably discharged in 1972.

Marshall and his young family returned to the Liudahl dairy farm in Williston, allowing his parents to retire and leave the cows behind. His father Ardell would soon become ND State Dairy Commissioner, something that Marshall was always very proud of. Marshall put his years of good work ethic into action and was a candidate for Outstanding Young Farmer in 1974. In 1975, Marshall transitioned from dairy farming to the western ND oil fields. He was employed as an oil well driller by Noble Drilling until 1983. Marshall was proud that there was never a lost time accident for him or his crew during that time. In 1983 Marshall began his insurance & investment sales career with Aid Association for Lutherans (AAL) now known as Thrivent Financial. This proved to be the perfect career fit for him. Marshall won several prestigious awards including 1984 Rookie of the Year and 1987 District Representative of the Year. He served as President of both the ND Fraternal Insurance Counsellors Association and the Williston Basin Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. Marshall qualified for many sales conferences around the US and Canada which provided several travelling opportunities for the family. Marshall retired from Thrivent Financial in 2014 after 31 years of service.

Marshall married Sharon Jordheim of Wyndmere ND in 1967. Marshall was the proud father of Michael Wayne (1970), Sandra Lynn (1973) and Matthew Paul (1978). He was always happy to talk about his kids and their lives. Marshall was very proud of all three for earning college degrees and for pursuing their own career paths. Marshall really enjoyed Mike’s wit and humor, Sandy’s beautiful smile and compassion, and Matt’s shared interest in cars & restoration. Most of all, Marshall was proud of his children’s work ethic and honesty. Later in life, his grandchildren were his pride and joy. Marshall logged many hours sitting in bleachers and auditorium seats supporting all of them in their various activities.

On June 17th 2000, Marshall married his friend Janice Holmen Lotvedt. In 2008 they made the move to Bismarck to begin enjoying semi-retirement and be more centrally located for family. This relocation also allowed for easier travel which was one of their favorite activities together. Marshall & Janice traveled to 32 of 50 states (including Hawaii), Mexico, Dominican Republic, Fiji and most recently Norway in June 2025 as a special 25th anniversary trip. They enjoyed staying as busy as possible and really making the most of each and every day. They enjoyed hosting family events at their home, usually complete with a bonfire that Marshall used as an excuse to burn all sorts of items (especially strings of holiday lights because the copper made prettier flames).

Marshall put great importance on staying involved with the various churches he belonged to during his life. He was an active member in Gloria Dei Lutheran Church & Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Williston, Charity Lutheran Church of Bismarck, and most recently Inspire Family Fellowship where he has served on the Board of Directors since 2022.

Marshall enjoyed countless hours in his shops, whether it was Williston or Bismarck. Repairing or building something is how he relaxed. His motto was that it had to be built to withstand the ND wind. He also had a passion for car restoration, rebuilding his 1970 Chevelle SS with son Matt as well as overseeing a total restoration of his Uncle Lester’s 1957 Pontiac Chieftain. Marshall was an active member of the Roughrider Car Club in Bismarck. Marshall loved to participate in as many local car shows and cruise nights as time allowed.

Marshall is survived by his wife Janice, son Mike of Bismarck,daughter Sandy (Mike Mundahl) of Mandan, and son Matt (Tena) and their children Avery, Claire and Emmett of Bismarck; stepson Benjaman (Stephanie) and their children McKenzie, Marley and Maddux of Kenmare ND, stepdaughter Jacky (Courtney Loegering) and their children Emmy and Brooks of Devils Lake ND; also grandson Dakota Halverson of Chicago IL. He is also survived by his sister Doreen (Harvey Jeffers) of Bismarck ND and brother Bruce of Ennis MT, along with many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Marshall was preceded in death by his father Ardell, his mother Audrey, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.