Marvin Henry Schmidt

Marvin was born May 10th, 1929 to Peter Hans and Lena (Wilken) Schmidt. He grew up in Everly spending summers on the Wilken Farm. He graduated from Everly High School in 1947 and enlisted in the US Army. He served in the Korean War where he was wounded twice and was laying behind enemy lines for 7 days until he was found, and received the Purple Heart for his service. After his service in the Army, he graduated from University of South Dakota and South Dakota State with a degree in Electrical Engineering. After graduation he worked at McDonald Douglas where he was part of the NASA Mercury and Apollo teams. Marvin and his family moved to Cedar Rapids where he worked at Collins Avionics for many years.

He married the love of his life Ethel Keochert August 14, 1954 in Everly. Marvin and Ethel raised a family of four children. After retirement they enjoyed spending time with family and friends at their lake house in Okoboji and in Meza AZ. He enjoyed traveling, golfing, and watching Iowa Hawkeyes. He inspired many with his Korean survival story which is part of the Veterans History Project on file at the Library of Congress.   

Marvin had unconditional love for his family. Those left to cherish his memories are his children, Carol Bagen, Hank and Beth Schmidt, Lois and Bill Wilson, and Karen Kriz. His grandchildren Matt and Carolyn Wilson, Debra Wilson, Emily and Nick Beck, Brent and Ciarra Bagen, Angie Pape, Bob Schmidt, Brian Schmidt, Andrea and Amy Hood, Jason and Sara Kriz. 18 great grandchildren and cherished nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Ethel, parents Peter and Lena Schmidt. Brother Donald, sister Lois, and David Bagen.   

The family would like to thank the staff at the St. Luke nursing home for their wonderful care. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Disabled American Veterans.