Marvin Unruh

Marvin John Unruh of North Newton, Kansas, passed away on January 2, 2026. He reached the age of 97 and maintained an active life well into his 90's.

Marvin was born to William and Linda (Enz) Unruh on October 28, 1928 in Goessel, Kansas. His childhood home was a farm twelve miles north of Newton, near Goessel. Marvin was born minutes before his twin sister and was the fourth of five children in the family. Marvin lived on a farm with his family and remembered a time without electricity while transportation was evolving with the beginning of automobiles. He often talked about good cold water in tin cups from the well. Dad frequently shared humorous stories of childhood experiences and approached life with a positive, happy attitude. His family remembers his playful spirit and how he enjoyed encouraging people to laugh with funny stories.

Schools included Greenfield District 99, two miles southeast of Goessel, and Goessel High School. The family spoke Low German at home, so the start of school included learning English as a new language. Marvin especially enjoyed wood working classes and continued working with wood all his life, as he created clocks, lamps, and other household items. Church was an important part of life. Marvin was baptized at Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church by P.A. Wedel on May 20, 1945. Marvin continued to be involved at Alexanderwohl, singing as a soloist and with the choir until his job, children, and home in Newton made Faith Mennonite Church easier to access.

Marvin met and married Beverly Joyce Riesen at First Mennonite Church in Newton on June 4, 1954. They built a house in North Newton, Kansas, in an area that still looked like a field. When their first child, Karen, was born, she was brought home to a partially finished house and started life in the basement while construction of the main floor was in process. Brian joined the family two years later and both children enjoyed wonderful experiences of growing up in this family and community. In the early part of his career, Marvin helped in the dairy at his home farm and then worked as a painter for Roy Leonard, a home builder in Newton. In 1964, Marvin and Beverly opened a dry cleaning business in the Cedar Village shopping area. Marvin worked for the Santa Fe Railroad from 1963 to 1987 as a helper, welder, and blacksmith. His employment with the railroad included free passes for the family to travel on the train if there were open seats after boarding, and the family had great fun taking trips when time allowed. Marvin and Beverly later expanded the dry cleaners to include a full laundromat located on the corner of First Street and Main in Newton from 1964 to 1978. Marvin and Beverly alternated their working hours so that childcare could be shared. Marvin often cooked lunch when the kids came home from grade school at Northridge. His work at the railroad occurred in the evening while night time hours often included repair of dry cleaning and laundry equipment. Marvin started work at Preferred Builders in1972 and painted homes and businesses in the area. He later joined Newton Medical Center working part time. For many years he could remember the exact paint colors he had used in hospital rooms, surgical areas, the ER, and hallways. He was a master at matching colors and keeping track of supplies.

Marvin had many interests. He especially enjoyed gardening and supplied his children, neighbors, and coworkers with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, and watermelon. He sang solos and was a tenor in choir at both Alexanderwohl and Faith. His daughter remembers how much she enjoyed accompanying him at church or various settings during the years she was at home. Marvin was an expert at repairing almost anything in the house or equipment outside. His home, automobiles, and tools were always kept in great shape. Woodworking was important and Marvin enjoyed many hours creating beautiful household items. Spending time with family was a priority. He loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, William and Linda (Enz) Unruh; wife, Beverly (Riesen) Unruh; brothers, Waldo Unruh and Wilbur (Donna Enz) Unruh; sister, Elma (Marvin) Banman; and twin sister, Margaret (Ralph) Funk.

He is survived by his daughter, Karen Unruh (Will Chaple); son, Brian Unruh; granddaughter, Michelle (Daniel) Ackland and great-grandchildren Caden and Laken; grandson, Aaron Dyck (Katie Funk) and great-grandchildren William and James; sister-in-law, Joan Unruh; sister-in-law, Mildred (Riesen) Franz; and brother-in-law, Don Franz.

The family is planning a time of visitation on Thursday, January 8, 2026 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton, Kansas. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Faith Mennonite Church in Newton, Kansas, on Friday, January 9, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., with a light luncheon to follow.

Memorials may be made to Harry Hynes Hospice or the Mennonite Central Committee, and left in the care of Petersen Funeral Home.