Stokes Sr., Marvin J.

Marvin J. Stokes Sr., 85, of 101 Fifth Ave. NE, Farley, died 5:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2011, at his home in Farley. Friends and relatives of Marvin may call from 2 to 8 p.m. today at Reiff Funeral Home in Farley, where a wake service will be held at 4 p.m. and the Farley American Legion Auxiliary will meet at 6:30 p.m.  Services for Marvin will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Farley, with the Rev. Dennis Cain officiating. Burial will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery.

Marvin was born Sept. 4, 1925, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Henry J. and Elsie (Sternhagen) Stokes. He received his education in the Farley country schools. On May 19, 1949, he was united in marriage to Marie Fluor at St. John's Catholic Church, Delhi. He was employed at the John Deere Dubuque Works for 33 years.

Marvin enjoyed collecting key chains and making miniature tractors and the local stock car races, but his favorite past time was spending time with his grandchildren.

He was a member of St. Joseph's Parish in Farley, its Altar and Rosary Society, and a past member of UAW Local 94.

He is survived by his wife, Marie Stokes of Farley; eight children, Katharine (Alvin) McDermott of Bernard, Monica Cole of Dubuque, David (Debbie) Stokes of Farley, Chuck (Judy) Stokes of Dubuque, Donald Stokes of Delhi, Virginia Stokes of Virginia, Marvin Stokes Jr. of Johnston and Sherene (Mike) Pitts of Bellevue; 11 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one sister, Betty Takes of Farley.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Helen Stokes; a brother-in-law, Larry Takes; and a son-in-law, Jerry Cole Sr.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at

The family of Marvin would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque West, Sister Sharon and Father Cain for all their kindness and support.