"While Marvin spent his time at All American care, later Pearl Valley, he was a constant companion of our activities department. There was never a dull moment with him around. The world is a little darker without him, but heaven has gained a musical angel. --Nissa Fox"
In loving memory of
Marvin F. Plank
December 4, 1932 - January 16, 2022
MARVIN PLANK
MUSCATINE, Iowa - Marvin F. Plank, 89, of Muscatine, passed away on Sunday, January 16, 2022, at Crestridge Care Center in Maquoketa.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, January 27, 2022, at Our Savior Lutheran Church. The Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Reverend Jeffrey Pautz will officiate. Burial will be in Island Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 1:00 until 2:00 pm on Thursday, January 27, 2022, at the church. Memorials may be made to the Muscatine Humane Society. Online condolences may be made at www.wittichfuneralhome.com.
Marvin was born on December 4, 1932, in Muscatine, the son of John Plank and Bertha Brawner. He married Rosalee Ann Wakeland on August 14, 1954. She preceded him in death.
He retired from Muscatine Power and Water in 1995, as head of vehicle maintenance. Before that he worked at International Harvester. He worked his way up from mechanic to supervisor of vehicle maintenance and mechanical repair department.
Marvin served in the United States Navy and Naval Reserves. He was deployed during the Korean War on the U.S.S. Haynsworth.
Marvin was an animal lover, especially dogs. He rescued many throughout his life and always had a dog on his lap. He enjoyed fishing and being on the water with his bass boat. He fished during all seasons, spending several cold Iowa winters on the ice. He was a lifelong fan of country and country gospel music. He had a beautiful voice. He sang in church choir, weekend jam sessions, and even gave concerts in the last few years at Crestridge Care Center. He loved cooking and experimenting to create new recipes. After retirement, he took over most of the family cooking.
He also enjoyed racing. He was a huge fan, from stock cars up to Nascar. He not only enjoyed spectating, but also raced stock cars and jalopies in the area with the Mississippi Valley Spud Club in his younger years. He began racing under car #38 but soon changed to #68 with his signature black and orange car with 'Roadrunner' symbol. Marvin continued going to races and fishing until Covid grounded him.
He spent his last few years at Crestridge Care Center in Maquoketa, where he brought residents together through music, games, and snacks. He became known as the 'Farkle King'. He won over the very patient, loving, and caring staff with his orneriness, spunk and loving heart.
He is survived by his children, Marvin E. Plank and Madonna Suri, Lori Dusenberry and husband, Donald, Timothy Plank and wife, Cheryl, and Patrick Plank; four grandchildren, Martha Plank McGourty, Mirandi Dusenberry Dickerson and husband, Benjamin, Joshua Plank and wife, Erin, and Mikel Plank and wife, Savanna; six great grandchildren; two sisters, Jan Coss and Charlene Payne; a special 'son', Darrel Dean Lee and wife, Diane; special nephew, Robert 'Bob' VanAcker and his wife, Elizabeth. Marvin was also very close to his granddaughter, Mandi.
Marvin is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Rosalee; one sister, Jean Stuart; and several nieces and nephews.
Tributes
"So sorry for your loss. He had a great voice and a nice smile. My sincerest sympathies. Becky Ball Ernst"
"Marv was my friend at MPW and long afterward. I always enjoyed visiting him when I lived in Iowa and later when we moved to Minnesota we talked on a regular basis - every two weeks or so...He was a great guy and I miss him so much. He always talked about his daughter and how much she meant to him. He loved her very much and always looked forward to her weekend visits. She took good care of her dad and he told many me how much he appreciated her and how she looked after him. I loved you my friend. Paul Wedel "