Marvin Gaer

Marvin Delbert , son of Marvin M. and Dolly Malinda (Bolman) Gaer, was born June 12, 1926 on the family farm south of Irwin, near Kirkman, Iowa. He attended school in Kirkman and during his senior year enlisted in the United States Army. He was stationed at Ft. Leavenworth in Kansas and the Great Lakes area near Chicago before being shipped to the Philippines and Japan. On July 27, 1949, Marvin was united in marriage with Bernyce N. Will at St. Joseph, Missouri. They soon moved to her father's farm where they farmed for six years. In 1956 the family moved to Hatfield, Missouri where Marvin managed a ranch. Throughout his life he continued his love of ranching evidenced by the cowboy hat and boots that became his signature apparel. In 1962 when they moved to Manning, Iowa, Marvin started his career as a police officer and in 1964 he became the Chief of Police and held that position until his retirement in 1988. In addition, he managed the city street and water departments. Marvin is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, and the United Methodist Church in Manning. Marvin had been in failing health for a couple of years, undergoing frequent dialysis treatments. He was able to remain at home with the care of his daughters until early in the week of his death. He died in the Hospice Room of the Manning Hospital on Thursday, June 24, 2010 at the age of 84 years and 12 days. Marvin was preceded in death by his parents; wife Bernyce in 2009; sisters Margaret and husband Frank West and Evelyn and husband Leland McConnell and brother-in-law Thomas Holloway. He is survived by his daughters Patricia Jean Gaer and special friend Dan Sweeney of Manning and Jerri and husband James Muhlbauer of rural Manning; five grandchildren: Matt Doyel and fiancée Sheri; Ryan Doyel and wife Bobby; Heath Doyel; Mindy Muhlbauer and Melissa and husband Sean Clines; eight great-grandchildren; sisters Helen Holloway of Irwin and Donna Mae and husband Leonard Kloewer of Underwood; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Music "Streets of Loredo" Chris Muhlbauer, Guitar and Vocals "In The Garden" "Shall We Gather At The River" Helen Wiese, Keyboard and Vocals Urn Bearer John Ohde Honorary Bearers Matt Doyel Ryan Doyel Heath Doyel Mindy Muhlbauer Melissa Clines Military Honors American Legion Emil Ewoldt Post 22 Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3517