MARAVETZ, Marvin Kenneth 1925-2013
MARAVETZ, ZBORNIK, MCGILL, DEWEY, COMBS, CASEY
Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 2/15/2014 at 18:56:19
[Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, Sunday, October 27, 2013]
Marvin Kenneth Maravetz, 88, of Waterloo, died Oct. 24, 2013, at Covenant Medical Center. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held Tuesday, Oct. 29, at 1:30 p.m. at Locke Funeral Home, with visitation an hour before the service.
He was born June 13, 1925, near Schley, Iowa, to William Clement and Agnes Zbornik Maravetz. He attended country school near Schley and St. Rudolfinum High School in Protovin.
Marv grew up on a farm during the Great Depression and by necessity learned to work hard and live frugally, traits that never left him. Despite having to drop out of high school after his sophomore year to work on the farm, he retained a great sense of curiosity and later constantly encouraged his children to learn and to grow similarly.
After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he married Margery Ann McGill on Oct. 16, 1948, in Osage. They moved to Waterloo in 1950, where they raised five children. He worked for the Rath Packing Co. for 34 years until it went out of business in 1985. He then worked as a courtesy car driver for Holdiman Motors, as a house and business painter, as a transport driver for car dealers and numerous other jobs.
During the early years of their marriage, Marv and Marge sacrificed much to make sure their children were surrounded by books and educational opportunities.
He was a wonderful father and role model for his children. At a time when his home was threatened by adversity, he was the steadfast rock of the family. Long days at the meat packing plant were followed by evenings of household chores in a commitment to keep the family intact. This commitment to his children and to his marriage provided a measure of support that helped Marge overcome her affliction and live a loving and family-centered life for 40 years, until her death in 2008.
He was a proud grandfather, and many of his happiest days were spent doing things with his grandchildren. He took pleasure in gardening and yard work, a reflection of his love and appreciation of nature. He was artistically inclined, which he enjoyed expressing through wood crafting. He was an avid reader and seeker of knowledge. Most of all, Marv was a people person in every sense of the expression and made close and meaningful connections with those that had the pleasure to know him. His legacy is defined by the many, many people who will miss him dearly.
He is survived by their children: Steve (Dixie Collins) of Mount Vernon; Dave (Kathy) of Livingston, Mont.; Mary Jo (Ron Smith) of Albuquerque; Laurie Dewey (Greg) of Yellow Springs, Ohio; and Bill (Dianne) of Waterloo; grandchildren: Heather Reid, Aaron Collins, Alex Maravetz, Lela Dewey, and Emily Maravetz; and great-grandchildren Owen and Devon Hamm, and Violet Reid. He is also survived by brothers: Gerald and Lester, a sister Eunice Combs and numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his very special friend and companion, Mary Ford of Waterloo. He often expressed frustration at his inability to beat her at Rummycube.
He is preceded in death by a sister Phyllis Casey and a brother Gabriel, and his two best friends, Dan Casey and Bob Murphy.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to the caring staff at Covenant Medical Center, at Covenant Outpatient IV Therapy, at the Cedar Valley Cancer Center, and Compassus Hospice.
He has deeded his body to the University of Iowa College of Medicine, and an inurnment will be held later.
Memorials to the Hospice of your choice.
Black Hawk Obituaries maintained by Karen De Groote.
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