Marvin Von Sprecken

MARVIN VON SPRECKEN

Wyoming

Marvin Ray Von Sprecken, born Feb. 20, 1942, passed away May 4, 2015, of natural causes.

Marvin attended Olin and Anamosa, Iowa, public schools during his youth. After high school, he married Sharon Scott and entered the United States Air Force, where he gave service to our country in the Vietnam War. After an honorable discharge, he was employed by Bell Labs (AT&T) for nearly 30 years before taking an early retirement and coming back home to Wyoming, Iowa.

In his early family years, Marv moved frequently for his role in the Air Force and with Bell Labs. He lived in Iowa, Florida, Colorado, Missouri and New Jersey. He also traveled overseas while in the military.

Throughout his lifetime, Marv had a gift for gardening and was well known for his productive vegetable gardens, out of which he sold produce at area farmers markets and shared his bounty with family and friends. He also was great at baking homemade bread, canning fresh salsa, introducing "popcorn cereal" to his daughters and making amazing breakfast or supper "hash" with leftovers he found in the refrigerator.

He enjoyed having coffee and catching up on gossip with his friends at Casey's every day. He loved his dog, Buffy. He enjoyed seeing his family, especially during the annual Von Sprecken Christmas which was hosted by his mother, father and sister throughout the years.

Marv liked spending time outdoors, including camping, fishing and farming, as well as tinkering with mechanical things. He was involved in the local American Legion.

Surviving family include his mother, Nelda Von Sprecken; his sister, Marie Peeters; his brother, David (Sandi) Von Sprecken; and his three children, Angela (Travis) Janko, Amy (Joe) Von Sprecken and Alison (Ben) Sanders. He also is survived by nine grandchildren, Logan (Mandy) Hanken, Jared Hanken, Adrian Kraus, Adam Kraus, Wil Shaw, Megan Shaw, Kayla Schuster, Carter Sanders and Peyton Sanders; two great-grandchildren, Max Hanken and Madison Shaw-Fish; as well as two nephews, Jeff Von Sprecken and Eric Von Sprecken.

Predeceased include his father, George Von Sprecken, and aunts and uncles.

Marv wished to keep his passing simple. A private celebration of life will be held for his family at a later date.

Lahey Funeral Home in Wyoming is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Disabled American Veterans organization (www.dav.org) or American Red Cross (www.redcross.org).

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.laheys.com.