Marvin was born August 3, 1928 in Glenham, SD to John and Christine Merkel and passed peacefully in his sleep early on October 24, 2012. He left this earth to be with his wife and family in Heaven. Marvin was loved tremendously by his family and friends and was devoted to his wife, Jean, whom he adored.
Marvin was in the US Merchant Marines during WWII. He also worked at Boeing as a manager on the 747-400 assembly line for 25 years before he retired.
His sport in life was bowling, where he met many friends during bowling competitions at Majestic Lanes in Lynnwood; this is also where he met Jean.
Marvin was predeceased by his loving wife, Jean Gray Merkel, his parents, and brother, Eugene.
He is survived by his son, Russell Gaulke; half sisters, Rita Helvick of Montana, Sally Merkel and Linda Merkel of South Dakota; nephew, Wes and Donna Merkel; nieces, Zoe Merkel, Jeannie and Bill Macrae-Smith and their children; and Jean's daughters, Marla Nulph, Kari (Scott) Bloom and their children.
May God bless him and keep him, may the Lord shine his face upon him and give him peace. He will be greatly missed by his family.
