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Monica Marvin

monica marvin

August 31, 1929 ~ November 7, 2023

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Monica Marvin age 94 of Alta Vista, IA, died Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City, IA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 13, 2023, at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Alta Vista with Rev. Jerry Kopacek celebrating the Mass. Interment will be held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Alta Vista. Friends may greet the family from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Sunday, November 12, 2023, at Hugeback - Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in Elma where there will be a 2:30 p.m. Rosary and a 2:45 p.m. Scripture Service. Visitation continues an hour prior to the Mass at the church on Monday. Monica Rosella Marvin, a beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2023, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City, IA. Born on August 31, 1929, in rural Chickasaw County, IA, the daughter of Theodore and Margaret (Brehm) Geerts. Monica lived a life characterized by faith, thoughtfulness, and selfless devotion to her family and community. Monica's early life was spent in the modest countryside of Chickasaw County, where she attended country school and graduated from Alta Vista High School in 1947. It was during these formative years that she met Virgil Marvin, a boy from across the creek who would later become her loving husband. They were married on October 25, 1951, at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Alta Vista, and were blessed with seven wonderful children. Monica and Virgil made their first home south of Alta Vista, where they lived without the modern convenience of running water. But Monica's hard work and determination transformed this humble start into a warm and loving home. In 1968, the family moved into Alta Vista, where Monica nurtured a large garden, canned, cooked, baked and cared for her family. Her remarkable baking skills became well known; particularly her homemade bread, cinnamon rolls, pies, and noodles. Monica's Christmas candy, made with love for family and friends, was a cherished annual treat. Monica was also known for her vibrant spirit and zest for life. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, square dancing, playing cards, embarking on wagon trips and spending time with her family and friends. She looked forward to the arrival of the daily newspaper and another crossword puzzle to solve - and yes, she completed them with a pen. A devoted fan of Jeopardy, she made sure to tune in every day at 4:00 p.m., and her family and friends quickly learned to respect the guarded timeslot. Monica's faith played a central role in her life. A devoted Catholic, she prayed the Rosary regularly and attended Mass faithfully until her mobility kept her from doing so. Her faith-filled life was a testament to her deep spiritual convictions and served as an encouragement to others. Monica is survived by her children, Darlene Winter of Bethany, MO, Dennis (Colleen) Marvin of Alta Vista, IA, Raymond (Dorothy) Marvin of Ankeny, IA, Beverly (Michael) Spangler of Lakeville, MN, Paula (Jimmy) Baker of Charles City, IA, Bryan (Ann Bettesworth) Marvin of Charles City, IA; son-in-law, James Alverson of Brunswick, MO; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Coletta Geerts of New Hampton, IA, Delores Welch of Kohler, WI, and Mary Knuston of Elma, IA. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Virgil in 2013; daughter, Carol Alverson; brothers, Paul (Helen) Geerts, Louis (Katherine) Geerts, Andrew (Monica) Geerts, Elmer (Joann) Geerts, Daniel Geerts; sisters, Ruth (Everest) Kruth, Mabel Geerts. Monica will be remembered as a woman of great strength, resilience, and love. She was a beacon of faith, a thoughtful friend, and a selfless mother. While her physical presence will be deeply missed, her spirit and the memories she created will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

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  7. Prayers and thoughts are with the family. Monica was a wonderful woman and I count myself lucky to have known her for over 50 years! May she rest in peace.

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  19. Will miss a dear childhood neighbor. Loved visiting with her. I remember stealing her chocolate chip cookies out of her freezer and the dandelion wine from the basement!!

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  23. Leon n I want to send our sympathy to Aunt Monnie’s family and we want to send prayers nd hugs to you.
    I will miss you Aunt Monnie, I’m happy your able to go home and be with Uncle Virgil. I’ll miss you calling and checking how we are doing and our visits we had on the phone.

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  24. I’m so sorry to hear about Monica. She was such a sweet lady. I always enjoyed visiting with her. All of her family has my deepest sympathy

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  25. Sorry to hear of Monica’s passing. She was wonderful to our girls when they were growing up. Prayers for the family.

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  26. Growing up she was another mother to me. She has now joined my folks and Virgil. They will have a lot to catch up on. My love to all the family.

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  32. So very sorry to hear this. Sympathies and prayers to all the family. 🙏She was such a lovely lady. Enjoyed singing with her for so many years gone by in the church choir. Always enjoyed visiting with her. She is now once again with Virgil…probably square dancing on the clouds.❤

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  46. she was one sweet lady—always had time to visit–may she rest in peace—our deepest sympathy to all her family–

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  47. My deepest sympathy to the Marvin family. Monica was a wonderful person and it was always a pleasure to visit with her. May your memories bring you comfort in the days ahead.

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  56. What a wonderful Aunt she was. Lots of great memories and she made the best cinnamon rolls! It was an honor to know you! Love and prayers to all her family. Jeanne(Geerts)Roder and David Roder

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  58. Our hearts are sad as our minds begin to process the loss of our beloved grandmother. The many memories that we all have that will now live on with us. You will be greatly missed.

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  59. Monnie was the best aunt. Her cinnamon rolls were awesome, her kindness immeasurable and her life was well lived. Hugs and prayers to her family.

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  60. Monica was such a wonderful person. I remember growing up in Alta Vista and Virgil taking April and I out on the horses and we would be welcomed back to the house with porch swing visits and ice cream with chocolate cake. It was a welcoming place for us kids and I’ll forever be grateful that we had that safe place! Sue (Jungbluth) Liddle

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  62. Our sympathy to Monica’s family.
    Monica was present at many family get-togethers back in my childhood days. She was such a delightful lady! Rest in peace.

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  63. Hugs and prayers to her children. She was the best aunt. Kind, caring, and loving. Among her many talents, she was a great baker, especially her cinnamon rolls.

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  64. My sympathies to Monnie’s family. I enjoyed visiting with her if I saw her while visiting my parents. Carol was my classmate at St. William’s School.

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  65. Our sympathy to Monica’s family. What a sweet, caring lady. I remember carpooling to school and swimming lessons with her and some members of her family when we lived neighbors to Virgil and Monica on the farm.
    She will me missed by many!

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  67. Our hearts are grieving with your family at this difficult time. Praying for comfort and peace as you lay your mother to rest this week.
    Thoughts and prayers for you!
    Pastor Rusty and Lorri Roesch

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  68. Prayers for Strength & Peace During Your Time Of Loss. I Have Memories Way Back To “The Chickasaw Trail Riders” Years. All Of The Various Members Who Hosted Trail Rides. My Daddy, Merle Vorwald Held A Ride At Our Farm On Hwy 63.
    As A Child I Remember “The Potlucks.” As A “Fussy” Child, I Had Favorites. The Ladies Would Set Out Food, Usually On Hay Racks. I Always Remember Monica, Alvina & Mabel. I Had To Have A Madrite, Cookies & Chocolate Cake.
    I Also Remember Monica & The Other Gals, Working In The Chuck Wagon At The Horse Shows Held At the Airport.
    Daddy Bought Me My 1st Pony When I Was 4 yrs. Old. He Taught Me To Ride & Took Me Along To Trail Rides & Horse Shows.
    Times Were So Much Easier, Better Back Then. Being A Kid Was “The Best.”
    I Remember Virgil & Monica In Parades Years Later With Their Hitch & Wagon.
    GBY Darlene, I Remember From My Teenage Years At The “Crystal Grill.” A Very Sweet Lady, Remember Gordy Too.
    GBY, Paula. We Raised Our Kids Together In Elma. Love Our Dogs Too.
    God Bless You All.

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  69. I never met Monica, but from her life story, she sounds like an amazing person. I enjoyed learning about her.
    Condolences – Kellie Gould (friend of Ray & Dorothy)

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  71. Monica was always kind and giving to everyone. Remember her always singing in the church choir. She will be missed. Sympathies to the entire family.
    Scott and Lynn (Grober) Felder

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  73. Aunt Monnie was a spirited lady! Very kind loving straight shooter! She will be missed and remembered lovingly forever. I’m sure Uncle Virgil was waiting with open arms and that warm twinkling smile for her❤️. Sympathy to all her children and their families for your loss. What a great life lived and what wonderful legacy your parents both leave behind. All our love Simone and Tom Schmitt

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