"Our heart goes out to your family in your time of sorrow. You have our deepest sympathy . Paul & Robin Hockett"
In loving memory of
Marvin J. Ostwald
September 4, 1939 - October 10, 2020
A private family funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 14 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Whittemore. Interment will be held at the St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery with military honors conducted. The funeral service will be live-streamed on Oakcrest Funeral Services' Facebook page.
On Saturday, October 10, 2020 Marvin James Ostwald 81, was called to his heavenly home surrounded by his wife and three daughters at Mercy Medical Center in Mason City.
Marvin was born September 4, 1939 in Whittemore, son of Herbert and Esther (Ostwald) Schmit. He attended St. Paul's Lutheran Grade School and graduated from Whittemore High School in 1957.
While attending high school, Marvin discovered his passion for printing by working at the Whittemore Champion. After graduating, he continued his career at the Emmetsburg Democrat-Reporter where he worked for 32 years, mastering a variety of printing techniques -- from linotype to photo and computer typesetting. After transferring to Fort Dodge, he managed the Messenger Printing Company for five years. Prior to his retirement, he spent the remainder of his career as production manager at the Charles City Press .
During his time in Emmetsburg, Marvin was a member of the Air National Guard. There, he met his lifetime love Arlene Kooker. They later married on October 30, 1966. Together, they would have three daughters. He loved spending time with family, going on picnics, frequenting Lost Island Lake, fishing, cooking, and spending time outdoors. Foremost, Marvin loved the Lord -- he had served as Sunday school superintendent for many years while living in Emmetsburg. Sharing his faith with his children and grandchildren.
He will be deeply missed and remembered for his green eyes, quiet nature, card games with grandkids, and love of ice cream. He was a man of faith and lived so. Always there to readily give advice and encouragement to whoever needed it.
Marvin is survived by his wife of nearly 54 years, Arlene of Charles City; Carla (Scott) Jones of Remsen, Carrie (John) Keenan of Tama, and Carmen (Dave) O'Neill of Nashua; grandchildren, Jordan Jones (Hadis Fetic), Tana (Levi) Gadow, Brynn Jones, James Thomas Keenan, Jack Keenan, Emma O'Neill, and Elayna O'Neill; and a great-grandson, Owen Gadow.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Esther Schmit.
Tributes
"Arlene and family, so sorry for your loss. Seems like it was not that long ago that we worked together at Emmetsburg Publishing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Linda & Bob Hill "
"Our heartfelt sympathy to Arlene and family! Marvin was such a special person, but I remember him best for being a favorite cousin that we spent a lot of time with at Grandpa and Grandma Ostwalds. Such fun we would have in the summer when we spent vacations with them, and also Sundays and holidays, as we would always be together. We enjoyed visiting your family in Emmestburg when Vern rode on Ragbrai. Thanks for the use of your back yard! Our prayers and sympathy to your family. We cousins have lost a \"good one\". Love, Vern & Judy (Gade) Wagner "
"Marv was one of the finest gentlemen I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. We worked together for dozens of years in both Emmetsburg and Charles City. He was a true craftsman and could run a printing press like ringing a bell. He was even more skilled in splicing negatives and doing complicated 4 color work. Marv was always with a smile. No one has ever been more dependable. May his family have peace at this difficult time."
"heartfelt prayers to Marvin\'s families and friends on their loss, may he rest in peace. Sincerely, Mark J.VonBank- Park Rapids, Mn.-formerly of Algona, Iowa."