Obituary of Marvin M. Guthmiller

GUTHMILLER MARVIN

                Marvin M. Guthmiller, age 84 of Menno, SD passed away Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton, SD.  Funeral services will be 10:30 am, Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at Peace Christian Reformed Church, Menno, SD with Rev. Ryan VanderWees officiating.  Burial will be in the Menno Cemetery.  Visitations will be 5 to 7 pm, Monday, July 22, 2024, at Peace Christian Reformed Church, Menno, SD with a Scripture service and memory sharing at 7:00 pm.  Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.  The Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel, Menno, SD is assisting with the service details.  Online condolences may be sent at: www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com.  Live streaming can be found at:  https://server.attend.live/static/event/xkl99. Pallbearers are: Josiah Eckels, Levi Eckels, Lucas VanderPloeg, Scott Maxfield, Wesley Schaeffer and Andrew Schaeffer.

Marvin was born May 17, 1940, to Reinhold and Vera (Schnabel) Guthmiller at home on the farm near Menno. His sister, Judy, joined the family six years later. Marvin attended country school through eighth grade and then attended Menno High School. He served 26 months in the U.S. Army, mostly in Germany. He married Vernette Ulmer, the love of his life, on January 13, 1963, at Grace Lutheran Church. They had three daughters: Christine, Teresa, and Susan.

Marvin and Vernette worked hard as a team to build a wonderful farm place from 1963 until retiring into town in 2006. Marvin developed a hobby of woodworking and crafted many practical and beautiful furniture items for his home and family members. He also enjoyed hunting, bowling, golfing, and gardening to stay active. His favorite pastime was spending time with his five grandchildren. He made many trips to Iowa and Washington state to visit his daughters and their families.

Marvin’s deep faith and relationship with God were very important to him, and he passed with peace and confidence to his eternal home. He was baptized on July 7, 1940, and confirmed on June 20, 1954, both by Rev. E. Kaempchen in the Salem Reformed Church of Menno. Marvin was generous in serving in many roles in the church throughout his life. He was on steering committees, was Sunday School Superintendent for a time, and served many terms on the church council of Peace Christian Reformed Church. He also served his community on the Molan Township Board and eventually as supervisor. He was always willing to serve those who needed his help.

Marvin is survived by his wife, Vernette; his daughters Christine Guthmiller, Teresa (Craig) Eckels, and Susan (David) VanderPloeg; grandchildren Josiah (Ashley) Eckels, Elizabeth Eckels, Levi Eckels, Amanda (Scott) Maxfield, and Lucas VanderPloeg; great grandchild Dylan Maxfield; and sister Judy Weber. He was preceded in death by his parents.