Marvin Leslie Zaiger

Marvin Zaiger, 94, of Iowa City, passed away on March 9, 2026, at Crestview Specialty Care in West Branch.

Visitation will be held from 10:00–11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Lensing Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity.

Marvin was born on April 9, 1931, in Audubon County, Iowa, to Herman and Ruth (Kelley) Zaiger. While attending Audubon High School, Marvin excelled in basketball, football, and track. Following graduation, he attended Simpson College, where he continued his athletic pursuits in both track and football.

While in college, Marvin met Shirley Jacobsen, and the couple were married on November 21, 1951, in Indianola. Together they built a life centered on family and were blessed with five children.

Marvin grew up on a farm and later farmed his own land. He loved working outdoors and especially enjoyed horses and blacksmithing. He later worked as an agricultural lender in the banking industry for many years before retiring in 1993.

In his spare time, Marvin enjoyed carpentry and woodworking. Extremely handy, he took on many home improvement projects, both large and small. He also created glass art and was especially proud of the stained glass windows he crafted that were installed in a church in Walnut, Iowa.

Marvin lived an active and fulfilling life and especially cherished his retirement years with Shirley. Together they spent winters in Arizona, traveled across the country in their RV, and enjoyed many memorable trips with their family.

Marvin will be remembered as a loving man who deeply cherished his family. A steady and dependable presence with a wonderful sense of humor, he was a rock for those around him-always loving and accepting. He was admired and deeply loved by his family, kin, and many friends.

Marvin is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 74 years, Shirley; his children: Mark Zaiger, John (Helen) Zaiger, Steven (Cherie) Zaiger, Susan Zaiger, and Carol Zaiger; five grandchildren: Justin, Jessica, Adam, Kathryn, and Andrew; 14 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Shirley Zentmire. He was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings.