He loved his family and enjoyed growing up on the family farm. He met his future wife at the Pix movie theater when the cute popcorn girl, Alice Keyes, caught his eye. Marvin graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1953. He continued his education at St. Thomas College as a music major. During his junior year he was drafted into the Navy, serving from 1955 to 1957. He then attended Minnesota School of Business. He worked in the wholesale plumbing and heating business for 39 years. He was a successful salesman and manager because of his strong work ethic, friendly style, and gift for schmoozing.
Alice and Marvin were married on November 30, 1957, at St. Mary’s Church in Sleepy Eye. After a while in Great Falls, Mont., they settled in Burnsville where they raised their four children and lived in their beautiful home for 55 years. They loved to entertain and enjoyed hosting family gatherings. Many holidays were celebrated in their decorated garage with everyone seated around one long table sharing a wonderful meal, laughter, and love.
Marvin could fix anything. He was always tinkering with something, trying to figure out a way to make it work better. He liked yard work and his “toys,” boats, trucks, snowblowers, tools, etc. He laughingly said, “He who dies with the most toys wins.” He was a talented musician. He played the trumpet, piano, and accordion. While in high school he was in a band called The Trail Riders. They performed in ballrooms and on the radio. He also played for the Sleepy Eye Drum and Bugle Corps. His kids remember his musical talents best from the many family sing-a-longs that happened around the piano in their living room.
Marv was a devoted family man. He supported his wife, Alice, as she navigated her Parkinson’s Disease. He was actively involved with his children, coaching their Little League teams, and taking them on camping and fishing adventures. He loved attending his grandchildren’s events and was so very proud of them. Alice and Marvin spent many winters in Panama City Beach, Fla., and summers at their cabin on Beaver Lake near Ellendale. He spent a lot of time fixing up the cabin and relaxing out on their pontoon. In 2021 they moved into Havenwood, a senior community in Burnsville. He liked their big windows, the music activities, and the friends who they joined nightly for dinner in the dining room. All who knew Marvin remember him for his ready smile and generosity. His faith was at the center of his life. His devotion to Alice was unwavering and he dearly loved his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Alice; children, Lori (Scott) Rabehl, Steven, and Tom (Jeanne); grandchildren, Amanda, Mallory, Marla, Mitchell, and Matthew (Shannon); his sister JoAnn (Tom) Seifert, his brother Randy (Pam), and his sister-in-law Dorothy.
Marvin looked forward to being reunited in heaven with his family and friends who went before him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sylvester and Alyce, his wife’s parents, Ray and Margaret Keyes, his son Scott, his brothers Dean, Joel, and Dale, and his sister Judith.
A funeral Mass was held at Mary, Mother of the Church in Burnsville. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please give a donation to the charity of your choosing or take your loved ones out to dinner in honor of Marvin’s great love for his family