Marvin Heimerl

1922 - 2011

Marvin J. Heimerl, 89, died peacefully at his home in Brownsville, Wis. on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2011.

He was born Aug. 31, 1922, in rural Oakfield, to Armond and Elenora (nee Thill) Heimerl.

Marvin always had a smile on his face and a lively jingle on his tongue! You couldn't get through a conversation without hearing one of his famous catch phrases or a favorite song like, "It's a Wonderful World".

If you were to ask him what he was most proud of in his life he would certainly say, his family, consisting of: seven children, 18 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. Having outgrown the house, family Christmas parties (numbering more than 60 people) have been held at the Brownsville Community Club for more than a decade.

If you were to ask Marv's family what they were most proud of during Marv's lifetime, they might say his service during World War II. Marv was a member of the U.S. Army's 9th Division of the 84th Infantry. He served from 1941 to 1945. His military service took him through North Africa, Sicily, on the shores of France on "D-Day", the Battle of the Bulge and all the way to the gates of Berlin when the German army surrendered under a white flag. This event was celebrated recently as Marv boarded the Honor Flight to our nation's capital.

Upon his return from the "Great War," he married Arlene J. Weber. They were together for 32 years; they raised five children together in the Brownsville, Wis. area.

After Arlene's untimely death, Marv and his five children joyfully entered into a new chapter of life as he married Gladys Dreymiller (nee Schultz) and her two amazing children. And, just for the record, that was another 32 years of living happily ever after!

Marvin was a truly dedicated husband and father.

Marv held the titles of truck driver, dairy farmer, soldier, prison guard, golf course keeper, Packers fan and a cribbage wizard, but he couldn't hold a candle to his bride, "Glady".

He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, the Brownsville Lion's Club, the VFW Oakfield, and he was an honorary graduate of the Oakfield High School Class of 2011, along with two of his great-grandsons.

Those Marvin leaves behind to cherish his memory include his wife, Gladys; his children, Thomas (Dianne) Heimerl, Sandra Schmitz (special friend, Jim Anderes), Gerald (Elise) Heimerl, Jacklyn Ewerdt, Bruce (Carol) Dreymiller, Betty (Todd) Matthies and Jodi (James) Drinkard; 18 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren with at least one on the way (but who's counting); a brother, Milton (Crash) Heimerl; a sister, Marlayne Testolin; other relatives and friends.

Marvin was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Melanie Heimerl; a stillborn son; his first love, Arlene; a brother-in-law, Tony Testolin; and a sister-in-law, Shirley Heimerl.

SERVICES: A Memorial Service for Marvin will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011, at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brownsville. The Rev. William Carter will officiate.

Military honor rites will follow the memorial service.

Burial of cremains will be at the church cemetery.

VISITATION: Marvin's family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of services at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Brownsville, Wis., to Winnebago Lutheran Academy or to Kettle Moraine Lutheran.

The Kietzer-Miller Funeral Home in Lomira has been entrusted with Marvin's arrangements. Additional information and a guest book can be found at millermartinfh.com.

The family would like to thank all of Marvin's recent doctors, nurses and everyone at the Central Wisconsin Cancer Program.

The Reporter

Fond du Lac, Wis.

Sept. 22, 2011