Marvin was raised in Auberry, CA. As a child, he loved exploring the foothills of Auberry and the
mountains of the Sierra Nevada. He would move away from Auberry but he was always drawn back to
the place he loved most.
At Sierra High School Marv enjoyed his chemistry class, track and playing the trumpet in band. He
received a bachelors and master’s degrees from Fresno State College, and PhD in biochemistry from
Western University. In 1966, Marv was hired as a professor at Sonoma State University, where he taught
chemistry, biochemistry, and mathematics for 30 years.
During his summer months, Marv conducted campfire programs, interpretive hikes for the U.S. Forest
Service (Huntington Lake, CA) and backpacking trips with his family and friends. Through-out his life,
Marv often taught bible studies at his home church. After retiring in 1997, Marv moved back to
Auberry. He wrote articles about the local history for the Mountain Press and did extensive research
into his family background. He was also a dedicated member of the Eastern Fresno Historical Society and
led hikes for the Sierra Foothills Conservancy.
Marvin is survived by son Randy Kientz (Beverly); daughter Jane Elise Regan (Dave); and step-son Paul La Fleur; grandchild Anne Soffe Hansen, grandchild Cameron Kientz, grandchild Katherine Regan, grandchild Julia Regan, grandchild Jonathan Regan and grandchild Timothy Regan.
Marvin was preceded in death by father Louis Kientz and mother Mary Kientz.
For the safety of all because of the COVID 19 virus, there will be no service planned at this time.
He will be buried at the Tollhouse Cemetery.
A Celebration of Life ceremony will be planned when things are safe.
Anyone wishing to honor his memory, may be donated to the Sierra Foothill Conservancy or the
Eastern Fresno Historical Society.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.boicefuneralhome.com for the Kientz family.
