Marvin J. "Marv" Schemmel

  Marvin J. “Marv” Schemmel, 87, of Sioux City passed away on Monday, May 27, 2024, at home.  On Sunday, June 2, 2024, a Rosary will begin at 4:00 p.m., with visitation from 4:30-7:00 p.m., followed by a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m.    A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 3, 2024, followed by a luncheon, then proceeding to Memorial Park Cemetery with burial services to include a military honors presentation.   All services will be held at Nativity Church – Mater Dei Parish, on Natalia Way, in Sioux City under the direction of Meyer Brothers, Morningside Chapel.

  Marv was born at home on July 27, 1936, in Granville, Iowa, to William and Gertrude (Thorman) Schemmel. He grew up in Granville, having started school at age four and graduating from St. Joseph Catholic High School at age 16. He joined the United States Army at age 17 (though he may have told the military he was 18) and was stationed in Germany, having served from 1955-1957.   Marv was honorably discharged from active duty continuing for another two years as a reservist.  

  On February 20, 1960, he married Norma Meyer at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Granville. The couple spent the first few years of their marriage in Granville where Marv worked at the local grain elevator.  From Granville, the couple journeyed to Sioux City where Marv spent the balance of his life journey.  

  With a move to Sioux City, Marv launched his career as an agent for State Farm Insurance.  Marv had a successful agency, spending 43 years as an agent.  Marv was also a longtime member of Nativity Catholic Church, where he served as an usher, an extraordinary Eucharistic minister, and participated on various committees.  Marv also served on the Bishop Heelan School Board for many years.

  Marv was a member of the local American Legion. In 2008, he received the Red Cross Award for saving his neighbor’s life! He was known by many for his legendary storytelling abilities, his fast-pitch softball skills, and his longtime commitment to State Farm.

  Along with fast-pitch softball, Marv also enjoyed bowling, fishing, and golfing (a sport which he began at age 72).  He played on a fast-pitch softball league for some 15 years. In his early days of baseball, Marv played for the Alton Cardinals, a D League division of the St. Louis Cardinals. He was later asked to try out for the New York Yankees but was cut from for being too short! Their loss.

  Another hobby of particular note was Marv's love of card playing. Marv inherited a love for the game of cards from his family. It was not unusual to see several games of cards being played at any given Schemmel gathering. This love was passed on to Marv's children and grandchildren.

  Marv is survived by his wife, Norma Schemmel; his children: Dan Schemmel (Karen), Dave Schemmel (Leann), Deb Malloy (John), Donna Barth (Jerry), Don Schemmel, and Doug Schemmel (Kim); 19 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren; siblings: Betty Schmit, Joyce Kruger, Denny Schemmel, Marlene Grady (Russ), Jim Schemmel (Carol), and Gene Schemmel (Tonya). Marv was preceded in death by his parents; a sister-in-law, Karen Schemmel; a brother-in-law, Helmer Kruger; and a nephew, Michael Schemmel.