Marvin R. Gibson

Born June 24, 1937, in Belleville, Illinois, a son of Marvin H. and Ruth M. (Richards) Gibson, Marvin was raised in Belleville. For 75 years, Marvin was involved with the Boy Scouts, beginning first as a Cub Scout in Belleville. He interrupted his senior year in high school by enlisting in the US Air Force, serving at various duty assignments and eventually being stationed at K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base. It was at K.I. Sawyer that he was presented with the Eagle Scout medal. Upon his honorable discharge in May 1960, he returned to the classroom and graduated from Graveraet High School. For many years, Marvin was employed in sales with Carroll Motor Supply Company.

On January 25, 1969, Marvin was united in marriage to Lois Ann Swenor. Together the couple established a home in Marquette where they raised their son, Scott. Marvin then enrolled at Northern Michigan University, graduating in 1974 with his Bachelor of Science Degree. Marvin’s student teaching placement was with the Rock School, and for many years after he did substitute teaching at various schools, teaching Industrial Art and Drivers Education classes. He was also employed part time with the Fassbender Funeral Home as a driver and support staff.

When Marvin retired from the workforce due to disability, he devoted much of his time to Scouting, serving as a mentor to youth and leaders alike. During his 75 years in Scouting, he impacted the lives of countless young people throughout the years. He exemplified what it was to be a Scout, honest, trustworthy, and respectful. Marvin carried those qualities into his daily life. He was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, Richard Jopling Post 44 of the American Legion, was an Eagle Scout and a recipient of the St. George Award for making outstanding contributions to the spiritual development of Catholic youth in Scouting. In his leisure time, Marvin enjoyed crafting, fishing, collecting and learning about Native American heritage, attending pow wows, and woodworking. He was well known for his crafting of walking sticks and helping his wife, Lois, with her annual house and yard decorating for all the holidays.

He loved to talk (understatement) and tell stories, enjoyed attending NMU hockey with Lois, and had a Harry Potter obsession which included a HP tree in his home. He was honored in 2019 to be a member of that year’s Honor Flight. Basically a simple and uncomplicated man, Marvin was honest, straightforward, sometimes blunt, but always respectful. Every evening, he wrapped himself in the prayer shawl that was given to him by the St. Michael Prayer Shawl Ministry ladies.

He loved and treasured his family and was very protective when it came to them. Marvin is survived by his wife, Lois; his son, Scott (Jill) Gibson of Negaunee; and grandchildren, Jace Gibson and Kyra Gibson; many nieces and nephews; and his feline companion, Pepper.

In addition to his parents, Marvin was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Ruth and Virgil Reinhardt.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services on Tuesday, March 5, beginning at 9:30 am until the time of service at 11:00 am. Rev. Greg Heikkala will officiate. A reception will follow in the funeral home reception room. Interment will be made in the Holy Cross Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.