Marvin Dale Dieken, age 84, passed away in the morning on January 4, 2019 at home in Naples, FL surrounded by his family.
Marvin was the third son born to Richard and Lena (Boike) Dieken on February 7, 1934 in Clara City, MN. He married the love of his life, Virginia Eid, on October 6, 1956 at Bergen Lutheran Church, Montevideo, MN. Together they were blessed with 62 years of marriage and three children.
Marv worked for Variety Supply Company (VSC), Inc. in Clara City, MN for 36 years, lastly as the Vice President of Merchandise. He enjoyed his work traveling often across the country and loved interacting with people, including his colleagues, vendors, and clients. He retired in 1987 due to his multiple sclerosis (MS) which he was diagnosed with in 1965. After his retirement, they moved from Minneapolis, MN to Naples, FL. Marvin became an artist specializing in acrylic paintings, canvases, and framing and assisted numerous artists in the area with their canvas and framing needs.
Those who knew Marv know that his strong faith, eternal optimism, and sincere kindness to anyone he interacted with were qualities he will be best remembered for. His positive attitude and optimistic outlook showed through in everything he did, and he credits his ability to live as well as he did (including being able to walk up until his last week of life despite living with MS for over 53 years) as the driving force. Marv enjoyed life - often assisting other people living with MS, serving his church, spending time outdoors, going to the beach, and spending time with his wonderful family and friends.
Marvin was proceeded in death by his parents, brothers Arthur (Marion) Dieken, Walter (Etta) Dieken, and niece Kathy Niemeyer. He is survived by his wife, Virginia, of 62 years; son Bradley Dieken of Naples, FL; daughters Pamela (Tom) Anderson of Benson, MN, and Michelle (George) Woodman of Naples, FL; six grandchildren: Ashley Anderson, Justin Anderson, Taylor Dieken, Jordan Dieken, Lindsey Woodman, and Madison Woodman; two great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends; and beloved companion dog, Stanley.
The family would like to thank the many doctors and healthcare workers who have supported Marv's journey through the years, and a special thank you to Avow Hospice for the phenomenal care and compassion shown to Marv and the entire family during the last week of his life. Marv's kind heart and gentle spirit shed light to many, many people throughout his lifetime and we will miss him dearly. Blessed be his memory.
Memorial services are planned for Wednesday, January 9, 2019, 11:00 AM at Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church in Naples, FL. Luncheon to follow at the church.