Meet the Inspiration Behind Our Parkinson’s Foundation

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About Marv Bossart

Marv Bossart anchored the evening news at WDAY-TV for 42 years, becoming the most familiar voice in the history of the Red River Valley broadcast region. He taught a generation of highly successful news reporters as a writing and introductory journalism instructor at Minnesota State University Moorhead for 37 years.

He was a frequent emcee of local charity events and served from 2000-2006 on the advisory board for the Daily Bread program, which recovers food surplus and leftovers for redistribution to local charity food programs. He was vice president of this board in 2006 and an honorary member from 2007 to 2011.

Bossart was diagnosed shortly after retirement with Parkinson's disease and died from the effects of the disease in April of 2013. Marv made his illness public to endorse the importance of exercise and physical and speech therapy programs that help to improve voice strength and combat the shuffling gait characteristics of Parkinson's. At his side in this courageous battle were his wife, Betty and four daughters. They developed this foundation to honor his legacy and make a difference in the lives of others who are affected by Parkinson's disease.