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Marvin Wallin Obituary
Marvin Wilford Wallin, our beloved and noble father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away peacefully on the morning of August 21, 2012, at age 94 of natural causes.
He was born August 5, 1918, to Alvin Wilford Wallin and Jennie Amelia Eckman, in Tooele, UT. He attended Tooele High, Snow College and graduated from Utah State University, where he majored in business and accounting. After graduating, he was called to serve an LDS mission to the Eastern States Mission from 1941-1943. Upon his return he resumed his courtship with his sweetheart, Dorothy Jorgensen, and they married on April 16, 1943, in the Logan Temple. True to his jovial nature and keen sense of humor, he had told Dorothy his father was the mayor of Idaho Falls to impress her. Not true, but a prequel to the fun-loving character, great storytelling, and quick wit so many learned to know and love so well. You could not be with Marve Wallin without having a good time.
In June of 1943 he was drafted into military service as a Warrant Officer and Second Lieutenant in the Army. After 32 months of duty in Detroit, Michigan, he had accumulated enough points to be discharged because of the birth of triplet sons. His business career spanned 37 years as general manager of Bookcraft Publishers, where he cultivated a rich association with many wonderful employees and General Authorities of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In addition, he was instrumental in pioneering the Holladay Boys Baseball program for his triplet sons and many other youth. He was an active, faithful member of the Church, and his genuine inclination toward helping others led him to serve in many capacities, some of which were Stake Missionary, Bishop of the Holladay First Ward, Counselor in the Stake Presidency of the Holladay Stake, Mission President of the Australia, Adelaide Mission from 1977-1980, Home Teacher and Ward Choir President. Marve loved the outdoors and had a bit of farmer in his soul. He built a family cabin in 1960 on the South Fork of the Weber River near Oakley, Utah, where he spent many happy years working the land and enjoying time with family and friends. He also operated 80 acres in Grantsville known to us as "Grandpa's Farm." The hallmarks of his life were hard work, his compassion for others, serving his neighbor, and a commitment to family and the gospel of Jesus Christ. He lived his religion with a wonderful sense of humor, purpose and example.
Marvin is survived by his sweet wife, Dorothy, and their eight children: Craig Wallin (Barbara) of Logan, UT; Kent Wallin (Kristine) of Sandy, UT; Scott Wallin of Mesa, AZ; Sherrie Kasteler (Paul) of SLC, UT; Mark Wallin (Karen) of Logan, UT; Christine Blodgett (Tom) of London, England; Suzanne Marsh of Bountiful, UT; and John Wallin (Marsha) of Sandy, UT. Marvin's family has grown to 38 grandchildren and 84 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Elaine Darling Taylor (Frank) of SLC, and is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Alvin LeRoy Wallin (died in infancy) and Robert Wallin; sisters Margaret Krebs Midgley and Bernice Gilmore Tucker.
The family would like to thank CareSource Hospice for their loving care.
Funeral services will be on Saturday, August 25, 2012 in the Holladay 24th Ward Chapel at 4395 S. Albright Dr. (2145 E.) in Holladay at 11:00 a.m. Friends may call at the Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary at 1950 E. 10600 S. from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church prior to the funeral. Interment will be at the Larkin Sunset Gardens .
If preferred, the family suggests contributions in his name to the LDS Missionary Fund. Condolences may be sent to the family at
www.larkincares.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Marvin Wallin
Jason Wallin
December 12, 2023
Jason Wallin
December 12, 2023
Jason Wallin
December 12, 2023
Jason Wallin
December 12, 2023
Jason Wallin
December 12, 2023
Jason Wallin
December 12, 2023
Miss you Gramps!
Proud to be the oldest grandkid and that I have your name as my middle...
Philip Baker
August 16, 2022
"Individuals will enter and exit your life much like characters in a play. Some will have minor roles to play, and others will have starring roles for a while, and still others will help you co-direct and co-produce your life. You will learn to judge those who move in and out of your play, and honour their appearances, however they play their roles."
Marv Wallin was a great role model to me when Marv served as the Mission President for 3 years in Adelaide, South Australia, where I was born and raised. During the time Marv & Dorothy were resident in Perth I was an IBM marketing manager and was also serving as a young 34 year old Bishop. We played tennis most Mondays when he was in town. His testimony of the Restoration was firm - some years earlier I had served my own mission in Calif and Arizona , and grew to love the generous people the Americans are. Marv & Dorothy epitomised these values. I will always love them as a brother and tennis companion. Until we meet again Marv and Dorothy, God bless you both. PHIL & TRISH BAKER
Philip Baker
August 16, 2020
Marve Wallin was one of the great people who left an indelible mark in my own personal life and the lives of many South Australians when he and Dorothy presided over the Mission. I would very much like to write a tribute to them both if I could have the email address of a family person who could forward my email to the extended family.
[email protected] fondest regards to all, PHIL & TRISH BAKER
September 3, 2013
Phil & Trish Baker formerly from Adelaide, now from Perth - Just the other day I picked up Marv's "As I remember it" - we were privileged to have Marve picture us in his memoirs - we miss him and his upbeat ways - what a legacy he and Dorothy left. I am now serving as Mission President Bruce Lindsay's exec sec (former KSL newsreader) Sister Shari Lindsay's dad Bob Anderson was one of Marv's best friends - love to all the Wallins from the Baker's down under :)
September 1, 2013
President Wallin was a great mission president! While he taught many great gospel principles, I remember him best for his leadership. He has had a huge influence in my life....I continue to thank him and others for the leadship skills they taught through example.
Tom Louws
September 3, 2012
Dear Sister Wallin, I remember Your Wonderful Husband taking me under his wing as a young Missionary in Adelaide 35 years ago, and loving his fun loving nature as my mission president with you by his side. Terribly Sorry for your loss. I still remember our dinner we had in Salt lake when we visited. Hoping you will cope well with the children. Kindest Regards Elder Tom Louws (Melbourne Australia)
Sister & Elder Kirkham
Judy & Roger Kirkham
August 26, 2012
Dear Wallin Family,
I want to join in celebrating your husband, and Father's life. I have so many wonderful childhood memories growing up next door to the Wallins, and then only a house away when Mr. Newman built his house between ours. I remember making up plays with Scott and Kent (I don't remember Craig participating in this. He was always in the garage building something) and some of the girls and putting them on for the younger kids in the neighborhood, when we were really young. I remember your Father giving me a fly swatter and putting me to work in your house killing flies at the rate of a penny a fly! Now I'm wondering with all those children, why he had me do the dirty work. He probably underpaid me by a mile!
Your Dad seemed more like a friend to me, always treating me with kindness and showing interest in what I was doing. I wish I could have attended his services and visited with all of you, but time and distance doesn't permit. I'd love to have a reunion with all the Wallins when we return.
Judy Gowans Kirkham
Liberia, West Africa
Wally Bolic
August 26, 2012
Dear Wallin Family:
I am sorry hear about Marv's passing. While a sad time, it also bring up fond memories of growing up on Panorama Way. Needless to say, as the patriarch of the Wallin clan, he was, a uniquue, endearing and fun "character".
In Wallin backyard, Marvin introduced to a unique touch football game. Also, I will Marv loading the neighborhood kids in the car and going to Bookcraft to help packages games (and we got paid).
We all had great times growing up Holladay and Marv will always be part of those wonderful memories.
Again, my condolences for your loss.
Wally Bolic
Diane Deputy
August 26, 2012
Dear Marve,
We will miss you here at Sunrise in Holladay! You brought happiness to so many by being very kind, helpful, and understanding.
I will always recall how you enjoyed singing whenever I played the piano - especially the old-time melodies you knew so well. Other residents often gather around too, recalling special memories from days gone by.
One morning I was strongly impressed to go downstairs to the piano. It was an unusual time, but I did go. On the way, I found you, a bit down that day, and urged you to come along to the piano. And then, your old friend, Cal Gaddis came along too, and the two of you began to sing, your deep melodious voices blending together for half an hour! Those were magic moments! As I was leaving,I still heard your happy singing voice echoing down the hall!
Thank you so much for publishing the "No More Strangers" series by Hartman & Connie Rector, in which my testimony was only a small part. Also for "Links of Forever" and "Celestial Connection," two volumes of genealogy stories, done by Connie and myself; one for the World Conference on Records in SLC. (Unknown to you, the proceeds helped with our children's extensive hospital costs. Thank you!)
Marve, we all miss you, and wish you the best always! Have a wonderful time with loved family members - as well as renewing associations with many old friends. Marve, you have enriched so many lives, including mine. May the Lord bless you and yours, until we meet again!
Love, Diane Deputy
Ken and Vanessa DeGaris
August 26, 2012
Dear Dorothy and family
We were so sad to hear of Marve's passing away. Both Kenneth and I often reflect on the marvellous times we spent together. We will always be eternally grateful for the sacrifice you made to serve a mission in the Adelaide Australia Mission. Without that sacrifice we would not be where we are today 35 years later being members of the only true church here on earth. We have served a mission, our three children have served missions and our son was recently released after faithfully serving as a Bishop. We now have 10 grandchildren 3 of whom have recently reached the age to be baptised. Our cup runneth over.
It was a wonderful blessing to be neighbours to such an amazing couple. We learned so much. We were in the dark and you brought us into the light. We will never forget your request to let you know when our son was born and how Ken wrote in chalk on the footpath at the front of the mission home… “god has blessed us with a son….” What greater encouragement could a non-member give a Mission President and wife to share the gospel? You loved us unconditionally and took us under your wings. You tutored and trained us in the gospel message and provided us with a vision of what an eternal family looked like.
Dorothy, we will never forget your wonderful legacy of service and love to us, we shall always be indebted to you and Marve….. ‘til we meet again is our prayer.
Ken and Vanessa DeGaris
([email protected])
Sydney, Australia
Brad Smith
August 25, 2012
Wallin siblings ,
I was sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He was a very accomplished man. Dana and I had the opportunity to see and speak with both your mom and dad in the care center a few months ago. How sweet they looked together in their twilight years. I do hope your mom and each of you will get along okay.
Godspeed,
Brad Smith
Desna Wallin Jarrett
August 24, 2012
To the extended family:
Let me add our sympathy at this time. I have such great memories of Uncle Marvin - at his home, at the cabin. He was always fun to be around and we children loved him. He had a good heart and was always willing to help those less fortunate. A good long life well-lived and a great example to us all.
Desna Wallin Jarrett and Harry Jarrett
Rodger and Emma Lou Kasteler
August 24, 2012
Dear Sherrie and Family,
Please accept our sincere aympathy at the death of your father. He was in the Holladay stake presidency when we moved to Holladay nearly 50 years ago. Everyone knew "Marv". Many of us remember him tooling around the neighborhood in one of his old restored automobiles. He was available to and well respected by everyone. I knew him earlier through my mother who was a manager and buyer at Deseret Book Co.
We know how hard it is to lose a beloved parent or a loved one.
Please know how much I have enjoyed working with you and Paul all these years. Paul's and your help and courtesy will always be remembered by us.
Much love,
Rodger and Emma Lou Kasteler
August 23, 2012
dear wallin family....sorry for your loss. thanks for the fond memories of the cabin, the triplets and the other little rug rats, his mean left hook when boxing, snowplowing for my mom and keeping me out of jail when i was a teenager. god bless all of you. mike nielsen
David Kunz
August 23, 2012
Dear Family,
I send my love to you Dorothy and all of your wonderful children. I will always remember you and Marve as second parents as I was growing up through my teen years. As the Bishop of my youth I remember a lot of great counsel given with sternness and love. My father being Marve's counselor and mom as the Relief Society President there wasn't a lot I could ever get away with. Marve's love and kindness through those years helped shaped my testimony and convictions of today.
Paula DeSpain
August 23, 2012
loved, Marv. He was the best hugger. Always remember him walking up to our door to visit with my dad. He'd say is Gerry home? He was the only person I know who ever called my dad (Giggs) Gerry. He was always interested in what was going on in my life. Always said he thought my mom was beautiful. Well he and Dorothy are beautiful! Loved growing up with him and the Wallin Family.
Valene Tillack
August 23, 2012
Uncle Marvin, how we love him, his humor, his example to all of us, and his great love for his family. I'm so grateful for the visit I had with Uncle Marvin and his beautiful Dorothy this past summer. He leaves a wonderful legacy. The reunion on the other side of the veil will be amazing!
LaVerle Hansen
August 23, 2012
I first met Marve when I worked at Publishers Press on North Temple. He could be stern and scary one minute and laugh with you the next. I have never forgotten the example he was. My condolences to the family at this time.
David Pack
August 23, 2012
President Wallin is one of the top 5 men whom I have come to admire, love and respect. He arrived in Australia a couple of months before I did and he was a wonderful mission president. I know he will be missed dearly. My love to Sister Wallin and all the family.
Robyn and Michael Kuhn
August 23, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Sister Wallin and family at the passing of your husband and father. He was instrumental in getting us together and we enjoyed working together in furthering the Lords work here in the Adelaide mission. What a dynamic and faithful servant of the Lord. He will be sadly missed but leaves behind a wonderful legacy.
Love from Robyn and Michael Kuhn and family
August 23, 2012
Dear Wallin family. "President" was a real influence and inspiration to a young Aussie missionary. Changed my life. I use his lessons to teach my staff (and my children) even today. Glad I could catch up from time to time these last few years. I'm coming for one more trip to say farewell - but just for a short while. May the Lord comfort you in your loss. Your service all those years ago will continue to be a blessing to my family.
Sincerely,
Terry Travers (Tasmania)
philip baker
August 22, 2012
Trish and I will never forget the influence for good that Marve & Dorothy Wallin had on our lives. We have some special stories to share with the Wallin family, if they could contact us on [email protected] Our love to the family, Phil & Trish Baker, formerly Adelaide and now Perth Western Australia
Art and Diane Ford
August 22, 2012
Dorothy and Family: We pray that you will have that peace that passeth all understanding. President, Bishop, Brother, Marve--not four men, but one great men. He certainly blessed me (Art III) personally and my parents' family. I am so appreciative of Brother Wallin's friendship with my father, Arthur Ford, Jr. That friendship blessed our family. Also, Brother Wallin and my father did lots of behind the scences good works for others. Bless you all.
August 22, 2012
To Marvin's family,
We add our sincere condolences at the passing of your father. He was a dear friend to my dad, Bob, and I will never forget Marvin dropping by to see dad every day during the week dad was in Caresource. It was Marvin who told me it was time for a family blessing to let dad go. Which we did, and was a wonderful spiritual experience for our entire family. A lovely example of true friendship. May the Lord bless you, always
Sincerely,
Shari and Bruce Lindsay
Marilou Myers
August 22, 2012
Dear Chris and Kent, Tom and I extend our condolences to you and your family at the passing of your wonderful father. How blessed we are to have the gospel of Jesus Christ to guide us during a time like this when we bid a temporary farewell to someone so dear. May Heaven's choicest blessing be with you as you carry on the wonderful Wallin legacy. With love, Tom and Marilou Myers
August 22, 2012
Sincere condolences to the family. I am so grateful that I was able to see Uncle Marvin one last time last Nov. just before his sister, Bernice, passed away.We loved this wonderful uncle and so appreciated all he did for his extended family as well as his own immediate family. He will be greatly missed. The reunion on the other side will be magnificent!! Much love to all of you, Cecil McCann
V. DALLAS MERRELL
August 22, 2012
Marv Wallin was a great man, my friend whom I rarely saw but deeply admired. I met him when I was a mere student, but whom I remembered and admired thereafter. He is long admired by the folks in Adelaide. I hope his loved ones and family will always feel gratitude for having such a man for their example and testimony that he left. I already miss Marv.
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