Marvin Yoder

DEFIANCE - Marvin D. Yoder, 84, of Defiance, Ohio, passed away Saturday, November 29th surrounded by his loving family while cheering on the Buckeyes. Born in Bryan, OH on October 25, 1941, to Jonas and Iva (Smead) Yoder, Marvin grew up with strong values of family, service, community, and hard work. He proudly graduated with the first class from Fairview High School in 1959 and later earned his bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Tri State University where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Delta Fraternity.

Marvin's career began with distinction working for the New York Central Railroad where he became the youngest Supervisor of Maintenance. In 1972, he and his family settled in Defiance, where he worked alongside his father at Yoder's Realty. Shortly after beginning his real estate career, he was joined by his brother Larry. This duo began a decades long development venture that would prove successful in establishing residential neighborhoods, commercial properties and a multitude of businesses.

Deeply committed to his community, Marvin served on the Chamber of Commerce Board, the Northwest Ohio Board of Realtors, and was an active member of the Elks, Moose, and Eagles lodges. He was also the past President of the Defiance Optimist Club, championing youth and local service projects. His faith was central to his upbringing where he was a longtime member of Ney United Methodist Church. When Marvin wasn't occupied with work duties, he could be found working on his treasured 1957 Thunderbird, riding his Harley, watching old westerns, or golfing with his closest friends.

The summer of 1965 Marvin met the love of his life Roberta "Bobbie" Brooks in Athens, OH. The two would marry on July 8, 1967, at Reynoldsburg Presbyterian Church in Reynoldsburg, OH. This union produced his most adored accomplishment, their daughter Jeni. Together Marv and Bobbie shared 60 wonderful years of travel, devotion, partnership, and memories overflowing with friends and family.

Marvin is proudly survived by his daughter Jenifer (Michael) Kitchenmaster; his cherished grandchildren, Jordan (Daniel Steffes) Wagner, Lauren (Cole) Woods, Drew Klausing, Paige (Sean) Bidlack, Dylan and Ethan Kitchenmaster, and his beloved great-grandsons that he so proudly treasured, Kamdyn, Langdyn, and Braedyn Wagner. He is also survived by his brothers: Larry (Sheri) Yoder, Dennis (Raquella) Yoder, and Ed (Elayne) Yoder, Sisters: Marlene (Marvin) Crites and Karen Yoder; and his sister-in-law, Pat Christen. He will be sadly missed by the many nieces, nephews, and close friends that he leaves behind.

Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, Jonas and Iva Yoder; his in-laws, Carl and Blanche Baker; his brother-in-law, Bill Christen; and his grandson, Cameron Kitchenmaster.

A viewing will be held Friday December 5th, 2025 from 3;00 pm - 6:30 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home South, Lawson-Roessner Chapel (1753 S. Clinton Street) in Defiance with a service beginning at 6:30 pm.

He leaves behind a legacy of family, kindness, integrity, and community service that will be carried forward by those who knew and loved him. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Ney United Methodist Church or the Fort Defiance Humane Society. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.