Marvin M. "Marv" Schmeling, age 84, of West Bend, passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2015 at the Kathy Hospice and is now at peace.
He was born on December 18, 1930 in Beaver Dam, WI to the late Martin and Lilly (nee Lauersdorf) Schmeling. He enlisted in the U. S. Army on September 20, 1951 and proudly served his country in Korea during the Korean War. While on leave he married Mary J. Persha on September 27, 1952 in Mayville, WI. After his service in the Army, the couple moved to West Bend, WI and raised five children.
Marv was employed at the Gehl Company in West Bend. He worked there for 38 years starting as a Foreman in the paint shop and retiring in the position of a buyer. He was a member of the Gehl Hexelbank Club.
He was a faithful, long-time member of Good Shepherd Ev. Lutheran Church, West Bend and he also enjoyed going to see children perform at church. Marv was an avid fisherman. He enjoyed fishing with his children and his fishing buddy, the late Nellie Nelson. From what we understand, Walleyes feared him!
During his retirement years, he also enjoyed driving for the Russ Darrow Auto Dealership. He traveled near and far and made new friends and met new people he could share stories with and he loved to tell stories! He loved to tease people and he also loved to wiggle his ears. He always enjoyed visiting with family and friends. Marv was a strong, loving and dependable man who will be sadly missed.
He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Mary; his five children, Patti (Al) Rossa, Donna Schmeling, Steve (Jori) Schmeling, Mike (Jen) Schmeling, and Carol (Steve) Preder; his eight grandchildren, Amanda, Jake, Lily, Alyssa, Macy, Maleigh, Jovie, and Ty Eli; other family and friends.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 12 at 6:00 p.m. at Good Shepherd Ev. Lutheran Church, 777 Indiana Ave, West Bend, with Rev. Richard Lauersdorf and Rev. Robert Hein officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Friday from 3:00 p.m. until the time of service. Burial will be on Saturday, June 13 at 10:00 a.m. at Washington County Memorial Park, 18th Ave. and Paradise Dr., West Bend
Special thanks to Marv and Mary's good neighbors who helped make it possible for Marv to stay at home longer; and also to Pastor Lauersdorf (cousin of Marv), Pastor Hein and Pastor Paustian for their home visitations with prayer and communion that he looked forward to; to Dr. Rajesh Trivedi for his care and the staff of the Kathy Hospice who make his final days peaceful.
Memorials to the Kathy Hospice would be appreciated.