Marvin J. Dumler

Marvin J. Dumler was born in rural Russell County, Kansas, on September 7, 1921, to Jacob and Lydia Dumler. After growing up in the heartland, he attended Valparaiso University in Indiana where he played basketball and earned his BA in education in 1943. He then signed up for officers' training school at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center in the Chicago area. Upon receiving his commission, he joined his US Navy ship, LST 131, in Evansville, Indiana. Marvin served as Lieutenant (JG) on that ship for nearly two years in the Pacific theatre in World War II, including the invasions of Saipan, Tinian and Peleliu. While on leave for repairs to his ship in April, 1945, he returned to Kansas and married his "sweetie", Esther Wegele. They remained faithfully together for over 70 years, until Marvin died on October 5, 2015.

After the war, he resumed his education, obtaining his Masters in Education at Fort Hayes State College, and Doctor of Education at the University of Kansas. He then embarked on his career in education, teaching in Hoisington, Kansas, Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas, and finishing at Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, Illinois.

During this time, Marvin and Esther raised five children, and what an example he set for his kids! Gentleness, humility, loyalty, strength, all based on his unshakeable faith in God. He was a man of integrity, and his faith and family always came first.

Dad is survived by his beloved wife, Esther, and his children Charles (Emily), Diane (Harold), Douglas (Cathy), Cynthia (Beth) and Cathryn (Tim); seven grandchildren, Tracy, Jessica, Josh, Abbie, Julie, Micah and Joel; and five great-grandchildren, Isaac, Mishka, Sasha, Elena and Luke.
Memorial contributions can be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Loveland, Colorado.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30AM on Saturday, October 10, 2015, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 4650 Sunview Dr., Loveland, Colorado.