Marlin Fried

Marlin L. Fried passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, January 13, 2026, at Good Samaritan - Sunset Drive, Mandan, ND.

Marlin was born in Bismarck, ND to Gottlieb and Helen (Haid) Fried on March 27, 1939. He attended Moffit Public School, Bismarck High School, and graduated from Bismarck Jr. College completing an Associates Degree.

Marlin grew up working alongside his father, Gottlieb, on the family farm and ranch south of Moffit until his father’s retirement, after which he continued ranching while simultaneously developing his business, Gun City, in Bismarck.

Marlin met Leanne Swenson of Bucyrus, ND on a blind double date arranged by his cousin. They were married in Bucyrus on July 8, 1967, and settled on the family farm where they raised their three daughters, Pam, Lori, and Becky. The family moved to Bismarck in 1984.

He operated Gun City for 40 years and (reluctantly) retired in 2014 at the age of 75. Marlin loved the outdoors, his customers, his business, and most of all his family. He was a big supporter of Bismarck-Mandan Rifle and Pistol Association, and the Fried Family Marksmanship Complex located at Moffit ND. He was also a member of Charity Lutheran Church.

Marlin enjoyed trapping, hunting and fishing, planting thousands (possibly hundreds of thousands!) of trees, maple nut ice cream, sharing a silly joke or playing a trick, and, of course, playing Pinochle with anyone, anywhere!

Marlin is survived by his wife of 58 years, Leanne; daughters Pam Ehli, Lori Fried, and Becky (Lynn) Burns; grandchildren Isaiah (Eryn) Ehli, Gabe (April) Ehli, Carter Gage, Olivia Gage, and great-grandson Ryder Ehli. He is also survived by sisters Laura (Bud) Starr and Norma (Jim) Dwyer; sisters-in-law Lynette Kvanvig, Melody (Ron) Monson, Donzetta (Eric) Strandjord, Rita Swenson; brothers-in law Vince Swenson and Steven (Cheryl) Swenson; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gottlieb and Helen Fried; his parents-in-law Swen E. and Edna Swenson; brothers-in-law Darrel Swenson and Boyd Swenson.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30AM on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Bismarck Funeral Home. Visitation will be held Sunday, January 18, from 5:30-7:00PM at Bismarck Funeral Home, with a prayer service at 7:00PM.