Marvin W. Pottebaum, 66, of Dakota Dunes, SD, died on Wednesday, October 7, surrounded by his family, after a valiant battle with pulmonary fibrosis.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 16, 2026, at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel. The family will greet friends from 4:00–7:00 p.m., followed by a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Sacred Heart Church, Sioux City, Iowa with a luncheon following the burial at Calvary Cemetery. Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel is assisting with arrangements.

Marvin was born to Cyril and Mary Ann (Berens) Pottebaum on June 3, 1960, in Sioux City, Iowa. He grew up in Leeds.

Marvin graduated from North High School in 1978. It was in high school that he developed a love of carpentry and worked at John Small Construction. In 1981, he entered the electrical apprenticeship, following in the footsteps of his grandfather and father, and quickly fell in love with this career. While going through the apprenticeship, he worked at Thompson Electric of Sioux City, Iowa. Marvin then worked at Terra Industries for 15 years as their Director of Leasing. After that, he returned to Thompson Solutions Group and worked in many areas, from service manager to President of Electrical Construction in Sioux City, Sioux Falls, and Omaha. He was proud to work for the Thompson Solutions Group and, more importantly, felt privileged to work with so many wonderful people over his years. After retirement, Marvin hoped to travel, spend time at the lake and on the boat, work on his golf game, and spend time with his children and grandchildren.

Marvin married his beloved wife, Chris Pottebaum, on April 25, 1981, at Shepherd of Peace Lutheran Church in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. They were blessed to have 45+ years together filled with love, laughter, and countless memories with family and wonderful friends.

Marvin was a faith-filled man. Prayer and reading scripture were always a part of his life. He was a devout Catholic and had a servant’s heart.

Marvin served in all positions of Electrical Local 231, the Iowa Chapter of NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association), including all positions, and an extra year as Governor. He was a member of the Academy of Electrical Contracting and served on the Washington DC committee which settled contracting disputes. Volunteering and helping others was especially meaningful to him. He served on the Council of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence (including being the Board Chair), Siouxland Center for Active Generations (including being the Board Chair), member of the Apprenticeship Board, member of St. Michael’s Church Parish Council, St, Michael’s Church Eucharist minister, Pre-Cana sponsors while at St. Micheal’s Church, First Grade CCD instructor, and helped with many sporting activities and fundraisers for the youth in his community.

Marvin’s proudest accomplishment in life was his three children, Cory, Tabitha, and Benjamin. His greatest joy was being a Grandpa to Henry, Ellen, Claire, and Cole.

His hobbies were golf, scrolling on TikTok, traveling, enjoying the lake, and sharing his memories of growing up. He was always open to helping out with the grandchildren, fixing things around his children’s homes, and cheering on the grandchildren at every activity. He also loved spectator sports and loved going to Notre Dame football games!

Marving is survived by his wife; his children: Cory (Lynne) Pottebaum, Tabitha (James) McCaslen, and Ben (Sara) Pottebaum; his grandchildren: Henry, Ellen, Claire, and Cole Pottebaum; siblings: Jean (Dennis) Miller of South Sioux City, NE, Patty (Mike) Hanson of Sioux City, IA, Cindy (Jim) Strong of Westminster, CO, his aunt, Sandy Cripps of Sioux City, IA; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins whom he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Debbie Blatchford, his father-in-law, Harold Christianson; his aunt, Carol Harder; his uncle, Mark Cripps, and his sister-in-law, Karen Sundberg-Conaway.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Siouxland Center for Active Generations.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Paul Berger, III, Dr. Ryan Hyde, and Dr. Michael Jung for their excellent care of Marvin.

Marvin never met a stranger he couldn’t talk to and find some common ground with, and they came from every walk of life. Wanting to make sure people felt valued and respected was of great importance to him.

“Well done, good and faithful servant…Enter into the joy of the Lord.“ MATTHEW 25:21