Marvin E. Bodtke, 91, was born June 8, 1932, in rural Gilead, NE to parents, Ernest and Esther (Gerberding) Bodtke. He attended and was confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Gilead. He attended Hebron High School and graduated from there in 1949. While in High School, Marvin worked for a local grocer until transferring to the current Central Market location in Hebron.

Marvin is preceded in death by wife, Lois (2014); parents, Ernest (1985) and Esther (2007) Bodtke; and daughter-in-law, Dana Bodtke (2022). He is survived by a sister, Lorene Krenke (Lavern) of Kearney, NE; son, Greg Bodtke of Lincoln, NE; daughter, Deb Bodtke of Lincoln, NE; sister-in-law, Mildred House of Mansfield, OH; many nieces; nephews; and cousins.

While active in his church Luther League group he met and courted Lois Laverentz of rural Hubbell, NE. They were engaged and married on July 6, 1952 in Hubbell.

Shortly after the wedding, Marvin was drafted into the U.S. Army and attended basic training at Fort Riley, KS. Upon completing basic he was assigned to Camp Gordon, GA as a base cook. Marvin and Lois lived in Augusta, GA for the 2 years he was there on active duty.

Upon returning to Nebraska, Marvin and Lois took residence in Hebron where they built a house and Marvin continued working at Central Market. In 1974, Marvin and Lois purchased Marv’s Central Market. They operated the grocery business until retiring and selling the business in 1996. While living in Hebron, Marvin and Lois attended Grace Lutheran Church.

Marvin loved working with his hands and over the years crafted many woodworking projects. In his early years he developed an avid interest in Cushman Scooters and rode several throughout his life. He also loved to restore vintage vehicles beginning with a 1927 Ford Model T.

Marvin was a devoted husband and father. He contributed much to the community through involvement in his Church and several Civic organizations. We will miss his spunk, his wit, and his love of a great comical joke! He made friends wherever he went and loved to share his life experiences.

We love and will miss you, dad!

Services will be 10:30 AM, Friday, September 22, 2023, at Wyuka Funeral Home in Lincoln, NE.

Memorials may be donated to Marvin’s family for future designation.