Marvin H. Gehle

Marvin H. Gehle, passed away peacefully in Luverne, Minnesota, on July 12, 2026, at the age of 94. Marvin led a long and accomplished life, marked by dedication to his family, his country, and his many passions.

Marvin’s journey began in Wood River, where he grew up as the son of Henry ‘August’ and Alice (Ahrens) Gehle. He graduated from Grand Island High School and furthered his education at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, earning both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Animal Nutrition. He then went onward to Iowa State, where he obtained a PhD in Poultry Nutrition, laying the foundation for his career in animal and agricultural sciences.

On July 25, 1954, Marvin married the love of his life, Jean (Wilke) at Grace Lutheran Church in Wood River, beginning a life of devotion and love. Together, they built a strong family, nurturing children and grandchildren with unwavering love and guidance. Marvin was known for his giving and protective nature, always putting his family first and cherishing the moments he spent with them. He cultivated a wide range of interests, active in Kiwanis Club, pursuing woodworking, and delighting in his love of flying. Marvin enjoyed square dancing, playing games with family—where he won every game of Yahtzee and Monopoly—and he welcomed every opportunity to spend meaningful time with those he loved.

Throughout his life Marvin was proud of his diverse and impressive career. After graduating from Iowa State, he held a teaching position, and mentored a graduate student. He then went on to Eli Lilly, contributed as an Agricultural Extension Nutritionist at North Carolina State University, and served as a Feed Nutritionist for Agway Co-op in New York. Marvin also lent his expertise to Ralco Mix in Marshall, Minnesota, and Duphar Pharmaceutical, before sharing his knowledge as a Chemistry Professor at the College of Lake County. Marvin was a man of service and dedication. He was a proud veteran of the Korean War, serving as a First Lieutenant Fighter Pilot stationed at the Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan. Marvin’s time in the military was among his proudest accomplishments, reflecting his courage, commitment to service, and adventurous spirit, especially his love of flying.

Marvin is survived by his beloved wife, Jean Gehle; his children, Valerie Walseth, Vaughn (Ranae Jorgenson) Gehle, Cynthia (Joe) Miller, and Scott (Jackie) Gehle; his cherished grandchildren, Tyler (Hayley) Walseth, Marissa (Erica) Walseth, Callie Walseth, Kira Gehle, Cooper (Margeaux) Gehle, Amanda (Aaron) Thauwald, Nicole (Luke) Nelson, Sarah Gehle, and Rebecca Gehle; his 5 great-grandchildren; and his brother, Leo (Arla Beth) Gehle.

He is preceded in death by his parents, ‘August’ and Alice Gehle; his sisters Beulah (Al) Klinzmann and Florence (Walt) Howard; and his infant brothers Edward Gehle and Laverne Gehle.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, July 27 from 2 to 4 PM at Bonnerup Funeral & Cremation Service, 2210 East Main Street Albert Lea, MN 56007. He will be inurned at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in a private family ceremony at a later date. For all who knew him, Marvin leaves behind a legacy of integrity, kindness, and spirited engagement with life, and his memory will be treasured forever by those fortunate enough to have been part of his story.