Marvin J. "MJ" Jarding

Marvin “MJ” Jarding, 85, of Farley, passed away on Saturday March 7, 2026, surrounded by family.

A visitation will be held from 2-7 on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at Reiff Funeral Home in Farley.  Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am., Thursday, March 12, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Rev. Steve Garner officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Farley.

Born October 23, 1940 in Dubuque, Iowa, he was the son of Marvin and Helen Jarding.  He grew up learning the value of determination and responsibility. From a young age he found his calling in farming, a way of life he proudly carried on for many decades. Whether tending the fields at sunrise or caring for livestock, he believed there was no better life than working the land and providing for his family.

On May 20, 1972, he married the love of his life, Mary "Joan", and together they built a life on the family farm.  She preceded him in death on March 1, 2026.

Farming was not simply his occupation—it was his passion. He took great pride in watching crops grow on his families’ Century Farm, and in the quiet satisfaction of a long day’s work. Neighbors and friends knew him as someone who was always willing to lend a hand, share advice, or stop for a conversation.  He later worked for L&S Ag where he hauled feed and fertilizer.  He lived a life rooted in hard work, faith, and deep devotion to the land and the people he loved.  

Above all else, MJ cherished his family. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Joan, and a proud father and grandfather. He took great joy in driving the countryside, playing cards, and winning at the casino.  He will be remembered for his strong work ethic and his humble nature.  His legacy lives on in the fields he cared for, the family he loved, and the values he passed down through generations.

He is survived by his children, Keith, of Farley, Melissa (Dan) Ernzen, of Epworth, Jeff (Erin) Jarding, of Urbandale, and Joe (Beth) Jarding, of Farley; his cherished grandchildren, Jesse (fiance, Candace) Neuhaus, Jaime (Kaleb) Klar, Aubrianna, Isabella, and Jarrod Jarding, Emma (special friend, Jaxon), Erica (special friend, Logan), Isabel (special friend, Carson) Ernzen, Addison Jarding, Parker, Jackson, Ryder, and Hudson Cortese, Lauren and Carter Jarding; great-grandchild Evelyn Neuhaus; brothers and sisters-in-law, Joyce Jarding, Deb Jarding, Irene (LeRoy) Wessels, Shirley (LeRoy) Biermann, Mike (Mary Lou) Duggan, and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws Art and Rita Duggan, grandson, Thaddeus Ernzen, godchild Jolene Stelken, and brothers and sisters-in-law: Loras Jarding, Paul (Mary) Jarding, Marie Duggan, and Elaine (Marvin) Konrardy.

The family would like to thank Mercy One-Dubuque, especially the Intensive Care Unit, for their compassion and care.

An online video tribute may be viewed and online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com