Marvin Lewis

Morris Marvin Lewis, age 92, died Jan. 22, 2024. Marvin, the youngest of four children, was born at home near Ruskin, Nebraska, on April 17, 1931, to Morris Earl Lewis and Lena Adeline (Holly) Lewis.

Marvin attended school in Ruskin graduating in a class of seven in 1948. Upon graduation, he began his farming career. On July 27, 1957, he married Dorothy Swanson of Bertrand, Nebraska. She was ill when they married. They had hopes of a full recovery, however she died from cancer on March 9, 1958. After Dorothy's death, her brother, the Rev. Reuben Swanson, suggested that Marvin participate in a Christian based letter writing program for people to meet potential spouses. The first person with whom he corresponded was Virginia Belle Nesbitt and on July 31, 1960, she became his wife of nearly 59 years. Even though Virginia was temporarily living in Chicago, her upbringing on a farm near Monticello, Missouri, was similar to Marvin's. Together they built a life with him farming and her working as a registered nurse. As a team, they celebrated the good times and tackled the challenging times.

Throughout his life, Marvin consistently approached life's challenges proactively. In the mid 70s, to enhance the family income, he began driving 18-wheel trucks for Herman Brothers and later Dahlsten's. He enjoyed the challenges of the work and saw many parts of the United States. He met a wide variety of people. He retired from his 20-year trucking career in February, 1997. After his retirement, he and Virginia enjoyed traveling for pleasure and visiting family and friends near and far. As he and Virginia entered into their 80s, he made another proactive decision to move from the family farm to the Good Samaritan Village in Hastings, Nebraska. They quickly made friends and became actively involved in the local community and First St. Paul's Lutheran Church. When Virginia was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer, they were fortunate to be close to necessary medical care and free from the upkeep of the farm. Marvin especially enjoyed playing Pitch and Pinochle as well as sharing a cup of coffee and a donut or two with the locals at Russ's Market. Life's physical challenges as he entered his 90s prompted another proactive decision whereby he moved from Hastings to Yankee Hill Assisted Living in Lincoln, Nebraska where he died.

Predeceasing Marvin are his parents and siblings (Ronald Lewis, Earl Junior Lewis and Letha Lewis Joy) as well as his beloved wife, Virginia.

He is survived by his three children: Letha Kunkel and her husband ,Tom. of Naples, Florida, Jerald (Jerry) Lewis and his wife, JoAnn, of West Point, Nebraska, and Neal Lewis and his wife, Marcy, of Indianapolis, Indiana; six grandchildren, each of whom he was immensely proud: Robert Kunkel of London, UK, Grace Kunkel of Boston, Massachusetts, Laura Kunkel of New York City, Erica Lewis of Lincoln, Nebraska, Alexandra Lewis of New York City, and Gabriella Lewis of Atlanta, Georgia. Additionally, he is survived by seven dearly loved nieces and nephews to whom he was affectionately known as "Uncle Red."

A memorial service to celebrate Marvin's life was held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 28, at First St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 501 North Burlington Avenue, Hastings, Nebraska.

Private burial will follow at a later date.

Donations in Marvin's memory may be made to the Nebraska Community Foundation for the benefit of the Virginia and M. Marvin Lewis Charitable Fund, P.O. Box 83107, Lincoln, Nebraska 68501.

Megrue-Price Funeral Home of Superior, Nebraska, assisted the family in his arrangements.