Marvin Lee Toedtli was born December 24, 1936 in Denver, Colorado to Richard Herman and Margaret (Gindling) Toedtli. The family moved to Alliance in 1947 and farmed north of Alliance. Marv, his brother Don, and their many friends spent numerous happy hours at the farm, hunting and playing ball. He graduated with the AHS Class of ’55 and went to work at the Alliance Times Herald, and retired from the newspaper after 45 years. He married Kathie Parker and to this union four children were born: Jody (Dick) Williamson of Fort Worth TX, Chris (Janet) of Alliance, Patrick (Annette) of Clermont FI, and Dana (Dan) Fredrick of Grand Island NE.
As a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Marv was an ordained elder and deacon, a trustee, and was involved for many, many years with the video ministry. He was an active JayCee, served on the City Planning Board, Park’s Board, Park’s Foundation and Box Butte County Weed Board. He was a Box Butte County Commissioner for eight years.
Marv liked photography and was given both still and movie cameras when a teenager. We have lots of photos of the family dogs! His interest in growing things began at a young age, and continued his entire life. Marv planted trees on the family farm, part of which is now the Lakefield Addition, and then many more on the acreage where his and Kathie’s home was built. He always tried to save any type of volunteer plant, and many of the trees are scattered throughout this community. Marv planted, pruned and fed the roses at the Carnegie Arts Center, and assisted with many other projects for that organization.
In mid-life, snow skiing, and running 5 K races became for him fun activities. Post retirement, Marv was invited by Bob Laing to join the Over the Hill Gang- a group of guys who met weekly for lunch. He was referred to as “The Kid”. He continued with this group until his mobility would not allow. Popular music of the ’50’s was his favorite- later stuff made no sense to him at all. He liked TV westerns, old movies, chicken fried steak, ice cream, and the Huskers. He really enjoyed decorating for Christmas- lots of lights!
Marv was called Home to his Lord and Savior on December 26, 2023 and is dearly missed by his wife, Kathie, son, Chris, daughters Jody and Dana and their spouses, daughter-in-law Annette, brothers-in-law Joe (Kathy) and Rod Parker. Also, his 7 wonderful grandchildren all born with the Toedlti last name, Elizabeth (Jordan), Jake (Mikala), Richie (Mackenzie), Alyssa (Kyle), and Kylee (James), plus an additional blessing of 7 great-grands, his always on deck, niece Amber (Craig) Cottrell and their 3 boys, plus several more nieces and nephews.
Marv was preceded in death by his son Patrick, daughter-in-law Janet, parents, brother Don, wife’s parents, Harold and Dorothy Parker and his sister-in-law, Terry Dunham
A celebration of his life will be Friday, January 5, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church with Reverend Sue Spencer officiating. Burial will be in the Alliance Cemetery. A soup luncheon at the Westside Event Center will follow the service. Visitation will be Thursday, January 4 from 1-7 p.m. with the family being present 4-6 at the Bates-Gould Funeral Home.
Memorials may be given to the Presbyterian Church, Alliance Volunteer Fire Department and Carnegie Arts Center.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com with Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.