Marvin (Marv) Kiel

A private graveside service for Marvin “Marv” Kiel, 91, of Minneota, formerly of Marshall, was held at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Marshall. Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the Summer of 2020. Marvin Ernest Kiel was born on May 4th, 1928, to Lena (Nuese) Kiel and Ernest Kiel in Clara City. The youngest of seven children, he was often referred to as Marv, Sonny, or Keff. Not long after his birth the family moved to Marshall. During the Depression, Marvin’s mother, Lena, raised her children as a single parent. As a result of her determination to provide for her family, Marv developed a strong work ethic. As a youth he shared a paper route with his brother, Bill, and during high school he worked for the Weiner family at Marshall Produce (egg plant). He also worked at the grain elevator. At 17 years of age, and just two months prior to graduating from Marshall High School in the class of 1946, Marvin enlisted in the United States Navy. He went on to serve his country during the Korean War, stationed on the General J.C. Breckenridge, U.S.S. L.S.T. 1102 and the U.S.S. Jason. After proudly serving two years as Seaman First Class he was honorably discharged. In January, 1947 Marvin received his G.E.D. from Marshall High School. Marvin returned to Marshall and began working with his brother, Bill, at the Marshall Creamery. After that, he began employment with DS Milne Company, then began working as a salesman at Arnold Motor Supply, which would last forty years until his retirement. Marvin met and fell in love with Louise Mohrman while she waitressed at the Minnesota Café in Marshall. The couple was married on May 17th, 1952. In July 1957, they welcomed their daughter, Susan. In 1995 they became grandparents to Julia Joy, followed by William Kiel in 1998. Marvin and Louise lived in the same house on Poplar Street for nearly 60 years, and appreciated the fun and friendships of neighbors Dan & Judy Hennen and Warren & JoAnn Larson. Marv and Louise were married for 67 years until Louise’s death in 2019. Marvin was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus, as well as a member of the Cooties, American Legion, and VFW, where he served as commander at one point. Anyone involved with Holy Redeemer School would recognize the distinctive Catholic Schools Week buttons that Marvin made for the students for over 15 years. Marv enjoyed making cut-down cars, fishing, and hunting. His white Oldsmobile cut-down was used by the VFW for local parades for many years. Never one to be idle for long, after his retirement he worked on one of his passions, building nearly 800 stools/benches for friends, family, and the community. Marvin was a fixer; whether it be working on houses, engines, or even benches, there was no project too difficult. Memories of Marvin would not be complete without mentioning the Jolly Green Giant camper. Almost every weekend in the summer, towing the boat for skiing to towing snowmobiles for winter fun, gathering family and friends was one of Marvin’s favorite things to do. Marv also took a cross-country trip for two weeks every summer with his wife and daughter, exploring our grand country. Marvin died on Friday, January 3, 2020, at the Minneota Manor. He is survived by his daughter Susan Salisbury of Campbell, CA, grandchildren Julia and William Salisbury of Los Angeles, CA, as well as eleven nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Lena (Nuese) and Ernest Kiel; wife Louise; sisters Ethel Grow, Corrine Grotte, Prudence Sheely; brothers Abner “Bud” Kiel, Howard Kiel, Clarence “Bill” Kiel; and nephews Alan Grow and Steve Kiel. Marv appreciated the friendship of Richard Jolstad, especially during Marvin’s time at the Minneota Manor when Richard visited regularly, brought an endless supply of books and drove Marv to various appointments. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Lewy Body Dementia Association or a charity of the donor’s choice.