Dr. Marvin F Piburn Jr

Dr. Marvin F. Piburn Jr., caring psychiatrist and beloved family man, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the Cedar Valley Hospice House in Waterloo, Iowa, surrounded by his wife and his friends. He was 76 years old.

Born on April 6, 1949, in Duluth, Minnesota, Marvin was the son of Dr. Marvin and Carolyn (Zelliot) Piburn Sr. His early childhood was marked by experiences abroad as his family undertook missionary work in Africa when he was just three years old. It was there that Marvin embarked upon his early education at Cranborne Boys High School in Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia, Africa, graduating at the age of 16. Following these formative years, Marvin’s family relocated to Grand Junction, Colorado, where he furthered his studies at Mesa Junior College in 1968, and later earned his degree from the University of Colorado Boulder in 1970.

Marvin’s dedication to the medical profession led him to the University of Iowa, where he graduated from medical school in 1974. Marvin did his residency there as well, completing it in 1977.

His career as a psychiatrist flourished in Waterloo, Iowa, where he established his private practice from 1976 to 1986. During this time, he met Marilyn Carlson, and they united in marriage on September 5, 1981, at Kimball Avenue Methodist Church and together welcomed a son, Luke, into their lives.

Both commitment and leadership marked Dr. Piburn’s professional journey. He served with Black Hawk-Grundy Mental Health from 1986 to 1994. He then moved to Iowa Falls in 1994, where he practiced until 1997. Marvin moved his family back to Hudson in 1996. There, he assumed the role of Medical Director at Black Hawk-Grundy Mental Health in Waterloo until 2014.

Beyond his weekdays at the clinic, Marvin devoted his weekends to serving patients at MHI and Bremwood in Waverly, as a consultant from 2000 to 2011. In 2005, he dedicated himself as a consultant, going full-time to Bremwood as Medical Director in 2014 until his retirement in 2021.

Marvin enjoyed watching movies, literature, and most notably, his faith. In later years, He was often seen reading and reflecting upon the Bible, an enduring testament to his steadfast belief and love for Jesus Christ. Traveling with Marilyn, they traveled to Hawaii. numerous times. Marvin even participated in two missionary trips to Haiti.

Marvin also rescued and cared for cats, Freddy, Henry, Selah, Samuel, and Tabitha, who were welcomed members of his family.

Dr. Piburn is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Marvin and Carolyn Piburn Sr.; his sister, Susan Graham; his aunt, Dr. Eleanor Zelliot; his mother-in-law, Viola Carlson; and his brother-in-law, Robert Carlson.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn of Hudson, IA; his son Luke and daughter-in-law Emily Piburn of Waterloo, IA; his cherished grandson Thomas; his brother Don and sister-in-law Jo Piburn of Grand Junction, CO; his sister Carol and brother-in-law Sonny Thonen of Wichita, KS; his beloved feline companions; and many nieces, nephews, and family.

The visitation to honor and remember Dr. Marvin F. Piburn Jr. will be held on Monday, March 23, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Parrott & Wood Chapel of Memories, located at 965 Home Plaza, Waterloo, IA 50701. The funeral service will take place the following morning, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Bible Church, 125 Orchard Dr, Cedar Falls, IA 50613. There will not be a visitation before the service.