Marvin T. Wink

Marvin Theodore Wink passed away at age 53 on May 3rd, 2026 surrounded by family and love. The visitation will be from 11am until service time starting promptly at 2pm on Saturday, May 9th, 2026 in The Runge Mortuary Chapel. Immediately following services, friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life at the Buffalo Community Center. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Online tributes and condolences may be left at www.therungemortuary.com

Husband. Dad. Son. Brother. Uncle. Friend. He touched so many lives with his easy going nature and pragmatic attitude. Born in Davenport on September 21, 1972 to the late Archie and Mary (Digmann) Wink, Marvin grew up on the riverfront in Buffalo, Iowa. In his early years, Marv, his brother Mike, and many friends loved riding 3-wheelers, exploring and racing each other all summer and winter. A true Mighty Mississippi river rat, the water was a constant part of his life with Mike and friends.

Marvin’s love affair with cars started young—he owned a 1974 Corvette before he was old enough to drive. Over the years, he continued a lifelong obsession with hot rods, owning tricked-out Harleys, dually trucks, and—thanks to his brother Mike—a hot pink Barbie Jeep, as well as his latest, scary-fast twin-turbo V6 Jeep.

Marvin was a naturally strong and talented athlete, playing football, baseball, basketball, and wrestling throughout his school years. He graduated from Davenport West High School in 1991.

In the late 1980s, Marvin met the love of his life, Tammie Lynn Loose. He was smitten—it was all over for Marv. He settled down and began working at the cement plant in Buffalo while continuing his education. He earned multiple degrees, including an LPN, a degree in Maintenance Manufacturing, and a Master of Business Administration. During this time, he also co-owned a car dealership with his brother Mike, known as Wink Motors in Preemption, Illinois.

Marvin later became the Industrial Base Team Leader and the Cornerstone Program Manager at the Chemical Biological Center at the Rock Island Arsenal. In these roles, he helped advance the skills, capabilities, and prestige of American defense industry manufacturing, where he was employed for many years.

From the day they graduated together, Marvin and Tammie lived on the Buffalo riverfront, even through the big 1993 flood and rebuilding their total-loss house. They married on September 15, 1997, and enjoyed boating, riding Harleys, bottle-rocket fights (at least Marv did), friends and family.

After a few years, Marv and Tammie changed focus to family life as they welcomed daughter Kennedy Alexis on Nov 25, 2002 and daughter Kila Pressley on July 21, 2007. The girls soon had Dad wrapped around their finger as he became their biggest supporter, which of course he loved every minute. He was so happy with his family life, and highly motivated and thrilled to be a great provider for all the family needs. Except, for maybe the Dad mini-van years, giving him a dry-spell from hot rods.

After a few too many river floods in Buffalo, Marv and Tammie packed the girls up and headed to Blue Grass, where they bought an acreage and made their house a home.

As they continued to spend time together and grow as a family, they became inseparable. The girls learned many valuable lessons from their father and picked up quite a few of his personality traits (including the sarcasm). They often communicated through humor, and Marv knew how to turn serious situations lighthearted. He always knew what to say and how to say it, with perfect timing to comfort others or help them see the true importance of a situation.

A lifelong dog lover, Marv always had “his boys,” Sullivan and Moe, by his side—both around the yard and at home. They also had Marv wrapped around their paws.

Marvin was so proud of Tammie and the wonderful mother she is—always involved and attentive to the important things in the girls’ lives. Seeing the direction the girls were heading, he felt a deep sense of relief and happiness as they became strong, independent individuals. Marvin focused on the little things in life that could make your day and bring a smile to your face. His ability to make people laugh (even at inappropriate times) was one of his true gifts.

The bond he built with his family over the years was strong enough to help carry him through severe medical challenges in the last two years. These experiences gave Marvin the opportunity to slow down and appreciate the value of life. He felt the overwhelming love and support of his community.

We can’t thank all of you enough for the kind words, encouragement, and generosity that helped Marvin and his family through those difficult times. The Winks’ would like to thank the Blue Grass EMS and Fire Department for the repeated care and urgency provided.

Marvin was preceded in death by his and Tammie’s Baby Girl Wink on August 11, 2005, his parents Archie and Mary Wink. Marvin is survived by his wife, Tammie, daughters Kennedy and Kila, brother Michael (Stephanie) Wink and their kids Gavin (Victoria) Wink, and Christy (Logan, son Sade) Gluba, half-sister’s Cindy (Craig) Kahl, Roxie Hoffman, Best friend Len Guldenphennig, many extended family members, friends, co-workers, and neighbors that he loved just like family.

Marv - Husband, Dad, Son, Brother, Uncle, Friend - gone WAY too soon. He will be missed - Every second of every minute, every minute of every hour, every hour of every day!