Marvin Donald Wittler

Marvin Donald Wittler “Papa” was born on January 27, 1930, the third of four children to George and Lula Mae Wittler. From the very beginning, he was curious, playful, and just a little ornery — always wanting to understand how things worked and rarely afraid to test the limits.

Growing up on rented farms meant moving often — March was “moving day,” when everything was loaded by horse and wagon and taken to the next place. As a boy, Marvin climbed bridge rails to study their construction, plowed snow with an old jeep to earn spending money (once spinning the plow clean off), and carried his little sister Shirley home from school when she felt too sick to walk — only to discover she was miraculously better once they were over the hill. He loved animals and developed an early knack for fixing, building, and improving anything he touched.

Naturally left-handed in a time when that was discouraged, Marvin was required to write with his right hand and became ambidextrous — an early sign of his quiet determination. Though traditional schooling didn’t always fit his hands-on, curious mind, he graduated high school and proved throughout his life that intelligence and wisdom come in many forms.

In 1951, at just 21 years old, Marvin was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War. He served as a medic and rose from Private to Corporal. His unit — Company A, 5th Infantry Regiment, 5th Regimental Combat Team — was awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism in action near Songnae-Dong, Korea, on June 12, 1953. The citation recounts how his unit defended a vital outpost against repeated assaults by overwhelming enemy forces, enduring artillery and mortar barrages, engaging in fierce hand-to-hand combat, launching counterattacks, and ultimately restoring their position. The official commendation recognized their “complete devotion to duty and outstanding courage.” After completing his military service in 1953, Marvin carried that same courage, steadiness, and devotion into every chapter of his life.

Shortly after his military service, Marvin met the love of his life, Beverly Chenoweth, in Birchdale, Minnesota. After a bridal shower, a group of young men in town for a fishing trip offered the girls rides home. One boy, Marvin, and one girl, Beverly — and the rest was history. On August 20, 1955, Marvin (25) married his bride (18), beginning a 70-year love story that set the bar high for every generation that followed.

Their first home was in Winside, Nebraska — a white farmhouse where, in just five short years (1956–1961), they welcomed four children: Donna, Michael, Cheryl, and Barbara. Those early years were filled with farming, faith, hard work, and the steady building of a life rooted in love and commitment.

Marvin dedicated much of his life to farming, feedlot management, and agriculture across several states. Always innovative, he purchased the first no-till planter in Wayne County in 1965 — challenging conventional wisdom and proving through record yields that sometimes the bold path is the right one. He built homes, dug dams by hand so the children could swim (at least that’s what they will tell you!), managed cattle, delivered calves, administered vaccines, and solved problems with ingenuity and grit. He fulfilled a lifelong dream of earning his pilot’s license, and his wife earned hers as well, allowing them to share adventures in the air together.

Faith was central to Marvin’s life. Whenever the family moved, finding a church was a priority. He served as a deacon and lived his faith through integrity, devotion, and steadfast love.

Marvin came to love square dancing, woodworking (leaving behind beautiful, handcrafted pieces treasured by family), road trips, the mountains, and watching elk. But above all, he loved his family. He never missed births, graduations, or weddings, and made it a priority to attend as many birthdays and milestones as possible. He kept up with everyone — all the way through his great-great-grandchildren — asking questions, listening closely, and celebrating every accomplishment.

Marvin will be remembered for his warm hugs, his stories, his playful teasing, his bright eyes that lit up when someone entered the room, and the example he set — of courage, faithfulness, innovation, and enduring love.

Marvin now rests peacefully, reunited with those who went before him.

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Preceded in death by: Parents: George & Lula Mae Wittler; Brother: Harold Wittler; Sister: Doris Wittler; Brother-in-law: Carl Mann; Sister-in-law: Yvonne Wittler; Son-in-law: Douglas Rodman; Grandson: Joseph Gillette; Granddaughter: Janae Goff; and Great-great grandson: Leon Church.

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Survived by: Wife: Beverly Wittler; Sister: Shirley Mann; Children: Donna Robinson, Michael Wittler, Cheryl & Tom Milner, and Barbara Rodman; 16 grandchildren; 43 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren.

Grandchildren:

David & Ashley Robinson, Tonya & Brad Poalillo, Elizabeth & James Fewins, Katherine & Jason Hooper, Daniel & Eryn Wittler, Elisha Milner, Stuart Milner, James & Alexa Wittler, John & Trina Wittler, Joshua & Cherilyn Wittler, Shiloh & Samantha Wittler, Cassie Goff, Montana Watkins, Presley & Jeremey Roth, Erin & Stephen Tricamo, Heather & Brian Newton

Great Grandchildren:

Bryce & Patricia Robinson, Megan & Killian Church, Lillie Robinson, Anthony Beard, Kaydin Hougardy, Kale Hougardy, Maddy Hooper, Austin Hooper, Taylor Fewins, Parker Fewins, Sophia Poalillo, Micah Wittler, Zoe Wittler, Caleb Wittler, Shiloh Wittler, Andrew Wittler, David-Luke Wittler, Alea Wittler, Emma Wittler, Brock Wittler, Ruby Wittler, Clay Wittler, Shay Wittler, Hannah Wittler, Caydence Roth, Harper Watkins, Blayke Watkins, Calvin Wittler, Evelynn Wittler, Mackenzie Milner, Colton Milner, Keiko Gillette, Aiko Gillette, Patton Gillette, Victoria Tricamo, Isabella Tricamo, Stevie Tricamo, Ian Newton, Ivy, Newton, Ily Newton, and Deegan Newton

Great-Great Grandchildren:

John Robinson, Maverick Robinson, Sapphire Church

You may not be aware that our dad (Marvin) was dyslexic. Only later in his life did he share experiences about the difficulties he encountered in the classroom and life related to dyslexia. As he learned advancements in dyslexia evaluation and education, he became passionate about supporting organizations/programs that focused on helping children overcome barriers encountered in traditional education programs. Thank you for considering donating in dad's memory to Hillside School and Center for Dyslexia. https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/HillsideSchool

Cremation has been entrusted to Ahlberg Funeral Chapel of Longmont, Colorado.

A private Celebration of Marvin's Life will be held at a later date for his loving family. Military Honors will be rendered by the American Legion Honor Guard Post 32.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/longmont-co/marvin-wittler-12754891