Walter, Marvin J.

Marvin J. Walter of Ames died Wednesday, June 1, 2011, after an 8-year struggle with multiple myeloma. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday, June 6, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 2210 Lincoln Way, Ames, with a 7 p.m. vigil service. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the church, with Father Jon Seda officiating.

Marv was born Aug. 22, 1940, to parents, Regina and Ralph Walter. He was raised on a farm near Watkins, Iowa and graduated from high school in Blairstown in 1958. He received two degrees in animal science at Iowa State University in 1962 and 1964.

Marv married Janice Gordon Walter on Sept. 19, 1964. They spent five years in Chicago, where Marv first worked for the American Meat Institute, then as a commodity broker on the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. In 1968, they came back to Ames to start a meat-related business with two partners. Over the years he operated Carriage House Meat, Provision Co. and several affiliated businesses. On the state and national level, Marv was involved in several organizations related to the livestock and meat industry.

Marv and Jan have two daughters, Allyson (David Sprague) Walter of Jewell and Stacy (Bill) Woodward of Ames. He is also survived by three grandsons, Rob Doud, Billy Woodward and Grant Woodward; two stepgrandchildren, Samantha Sprague and Jacob Sprague; a brother, Russell (Sharon) Walter of Norway, Iowa; two sisters, Patricia (David) Jansma of Waco, Texas and Kathy (Jim) Flemister of Plant City, Fla.; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Marv was a very active member of the community, serving on boards and in organizations. He has for a number of years been on the First National Bank board and chairman of the board of Ames National Corporation. He was a Rotary member and president, served a number of years on the board of Mary Greeley Medical Center. He was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity and cherished the lifelong friendships he made as a fraternity member. He was inducted into the National Alpha Gamma Rho Hall of Fame. He worked closely with active members of the fraternity every year.

Marv was involved in many Iowa State activities. He was on the Board of Governors and received the Order of the Knoll award for Distinguished Service. He also received the Floyd Andre award for Distinguished Service to Agriculture. He served as president of the ISU Alumni Association.

Marv had a special interest in young people and supported the 4-H programs. He was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Ames.

Marv loved tennis, golf, horseback riding, and spending time with family and grandchildren at Clear Lake and Fountain Hills, Ariz. He always wanted to be busy and on the move.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ag Pavilion Project/ISU Foundation or to Bliss Cancer Center at McFarland Clinic, 1111 Duff Ave., Ames.

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Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care in Ames is assisting the family.