Marvin James Ostwald

On Saturday, Oct. 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 Sept. 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 Oct. 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.

A funeral service was held on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Whittemore. Interment was in the St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery with military honors conducted. The funeral service can be viewed on Oakcrest Funeral Services’ Facebook page. Online condolences may be left at www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com.