Marvin R. Keele, 1932 - 2025
KEELE, MCCRILL, DEHN
Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 10/11/2025 at 15:09:36
The Onawa Democrat
8 October 2025Marvin R. Keele, 92, of Blencoe, Iowa passed away Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Pleasant View Care Center, Whiting, Iowa.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 A.M. Monday, October 13, 2025, at the Blencoe United Church of Christ, Blencoe, Iowa with Pastor Linda Boggs, officiating. A recording of the service will be posted on the Goslar Funeral Home website with Marvin’s obituary. Burial will follow in Graceland Cemetery, Blencoe, Iowa with Military Honors provided by the United States Air Force and the Stevens-Kelly American Legion Post #665, of Blencoe, Iowa. Visitation will be 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. Sunday, October 12, 2025, with a time of sharing at 7:00 P.M. at the Goslar Funeral Home Chapel, Onawa, Iowa. Arrangements are under the direction of Goslar Funeral Home and Monuments, Onawa, Iowa.
Marvin R. Keele was born to Marvin E. Keele and Dessie (McCrill) Keele on November 19, 1932, on a farm near Blencoe, Iowa. He attended Blencoe school and graduated with the class of 1950. Marvin served on active duty with the 174th Air Guard of Sioux City from April 1, 1951 – December 23, 1952. He was stationed in Maine and Louisiana. He was discharged from the Air National Guard January 3, 1954.
Marvin and Mary Dehn were united into marriage November 22, 1953 in Blencoe. To this union two children were born, Robert and Barbara.
Marvin started working for the Blencoe School system in 1953 as the bus man and handy man. He was hired to work summers as a custodian and enjoyed working with his father, Marvin, who was the custodian. In the summer of 1954, he helped with the building of the grain elevator in Blencoe. Marvin worked thirty-six years as a bus mechanic, driver, and director of transportation. After retirement, he enjoyed seasonal farm work during the busy seasons.
Marvin was a member of Stevens-Kelly American Legion Post for seventy years and led many activities over the years. He was a member of the Blencoe Fire Department and served several years on the Blencoe City Council. He was a long-term member of the Blencoe United Church of Christ for over seventy-five years. Over the years he was a Sunday School teacher, deacon, and served on numerous church boards.
In retirement, Marvin and Mary traveled to almost all fifty states, Hawaii, Alaska, and Canada. He took great pride in his large garden and enjoyed sharing with friends. Marvin was a lifelong learner, an avid reader and loved history.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Keele of Blencoe, Iowa; son, Robert (Joyce) Keele of Loveland, Colorado; daughter, Barb (Kim Carver) Keele of Boise, Idaho; granddaughters, Jacque Keele of Lakewood, Colorado, Julie Keele of Hillsboro, Oregon; and Jean (Derek) Ward of Evans, Colorado.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Dessie (McCrill) Keele; and brother, Dennis Keele.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Marvin’s memory may be directed to the Blencoe Fire Department.
Condolences may be left online for the family at the funeral home.
Monona Obituaries maintained by Linda Ziemann.
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