THIESSEN — Marvin F. Thiessen, 87, of Reedley died Nov. 24. He was a farmer. Graveside: 9:30 a.m. Dec. 5 at Smith Mountain Cemetery in Dinuba. Memorial: 11 a.m. Dec. 5 at First Baptist Church in Dinuba. Arrangements: Farewell Reedley Arrangement Center.
The Fresno Bee, November 30, 2016
************************************************************
Marvin F. Thiessen was born May 10, 1929 to Jacob and Elizabeth Thiessen in Madrid Nebraska. He was the fourth of ten children. His family: Levi, Ray, Harry, Ruth, Allen, Delores, Helen, Betty, and Norma, grew not only in numbers, but in love and faith. They have a rich heritage of trust in God. This was first recorded in 1874 in a letter as Marvin´s great great grandfather from Russia sent a departing prayer to his son:
Dearest Jesus,
Pray for me with I falter
Heal me when I am ill,
Strengthen me when I am weak
Lift me up when I fall
Lead me as long as I am on my pilgrimage
To the Portal of Thy City
Amen
At the age of 12 his family moved to Oregon for work opportunities. The ingenuity of Marvin´s uncles and the collaboration between his 3 older brothers fostered a lifelong curiosity of mechanical things. The ''boys´´ would take apart and repair the car while their parents were gone to town. Marvin´s ''fix it´´ nature was born out of necessity, but it inspired a resourcefulness that prompted his success.
He graduated high school from Salem Academy in Oregon. He worked for 2 years helping support the family before attending Multnomah School of the Bible. Marvin accepted Christ as a young boy. His relationship with God and his love for people became the catalyst of his lifelong ministry. He began by service in VBS programs in Eastern Oregon. He later moved to California for a role through the Mennonite Central Committee at Village Chapel in Orange Cove, California He used his love of Music and gift of teaching to lead others to Christ. He was involved in starting and building the ministry at Grace Church in Reedley. Many lives were changed and lifelong relationships, like those with Bob Heinrichs´ family, were cultivated there. Marvin used his gifts of discipleship, music, and resourcefulness as a handyman in many different capacities to benefit others in the churches that he attended.
Marvin met the love of his life, Lois Stewart, and eventually asked her to marry him, joining him in service of others using the verse: ''Let us magnify the Lord together´´. They were married on June 29, 1952. During their 64 years together they were blessed with 2 children, Sam and Debra, welcomed their spouses, Sally Jessup and Jerry Penner, 5 grandchildren Karl and Beth Thiessen, Emily, Blair and Kelsey Penner, Spouses Lindsey, Casey Mount, Braden Klingaman, Jordan Mattox and 5 great grandchildren, Carver Thiessen, Henry and Josephine Mount, and Harper and Grace Klingamen. His unconditional love, care, support, and encouragement were evidence that each was treasured. The grandchildren argued that they were considered to be ''THE FAVORITE,´´ although we all know who was actually the favorite;).
From 1954 to 1997 Marvin worked for CitriCare, a family-owned citrus management company in Orosi. Marvin´s ''fix it´´ skill set and resourcefulness were continually stretched as farming technology and mechanical needs evolved over 43 years. He started with Don Miller rebudding frozen orange trees. He marveled at the miracle of grafting and perfected that skill throughout the years. Marvin brought continuity with his industrious work ethic as the company leadership transitioned to Don´s son Kendall and then son Arlin. He respected each and contributed to the success of the business.
In 1965 Marvin and Lois realized Marvin´s dream of owning his own farm. They took a significant leap of faith and purchased 20 acres of grapes with the understanding that they would be replaced with oranges. The ''Moonlight´´ farm was the TRUE REALITY as oranges were planted by moonlight after his job at CitriCare. Many ''moonlit´´ nights were used during the harvest season to dry grapes.
A used house, built in 1914, was moved from Fresno to the farm and became a family work in progress that continues to this day. They started by remodeling one room at a time in the early years. In the 1970´s Marvin embarked on the most ambitious project, the kitchen, where he built all the cabinets.
This was truly a family farm, where all members ''got´´ to join in on the ''fun´´. Lois, Sam, Debbie, Lois´s parents, brother, sisters, nieces, nephews and grandchildren all have great and/or tortuous memories of working. He motivated his family to help with a variety of rewards, which consisted of ''Pepsi Time´´, a ride on his John Deere, a tan, school clothes, and spending money. As the later generations became involved, the farm became a playground of endless adventure, including, but not limited to, hide and seek, orange fights, and countless hours of driving the ''toy.´´ All family members treasure their memories and Marvin appreciated the help of each one.
All the grandkids knew that Grandpa´s favorite tractor was a green and yellow John Deere. Each child loved the thrill of riding Papa´s tractor. He got the opportunity to join Sam and Debbie´s family on a trip to Iowa where he was not only able to watch Blair win a National Championship in volleyball, but he also went to the renowned John Deere Museum.
Marvin loved nature. Lois and Marvin traveled to many national parks and would include grandchildren in the adventure. He loved to inspire the children to notice intricacy of God´s handiwork whether it was walks at Montana de Oro, Yellowstone, or the majesty of Yosemite. His favorite example of floral paradox was the snowflower. The truth is he had more pictures of nature than of his children.
Coming home from one of her trips with Papa and Grandma, Emily commented that ''Papa talks to everyone´´. This was Marvin´s legacy of love for people that was inspired by God´s love. His lifelong ministry was giving and serving others. His generosity began with family but expanded with each new relationship. His service of others extended from Hume Lake to Kentucky and all the way to Mexico and Nicaragua. Many if not all of you have been recipients of his genuine, kind heart.
Marvin´s life was characterized by his LOVE, DEDICATION, AND FAITHFULNESS to his GOD, Family and Church. His walk of faith was a shining example of genuine love, a thankful heart, and simple trust in a powerful God.
He has joined his parents, Jacob and Elizabeth, brothers Harry, Raymond and sister Ruth in heaven. He is survived by siblings Levi, Allen, Delores Smith, Helen Berg, Betty Jondahl, Norma Balbo, his wife of 64 years Lois, son Sam and Sally, daughter Debbie and Jerry Penner, grandchildren Karl & Lindsey Thiessen, Beth and Casey Mount, Emily and Braden Klingaman, Blair Penner, Kelsey and Jordan Penner-Mattox, great-grandchildren Carver Thiessen, Henry and Josephine Mount, Harper and Grace Klingaman, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Obituary written by Emily Klingaman,Granddaughter
The Fresno Bee, November 30, 2016
************************************************************
Marvin F. Thiessen was born May 10, 1929 to Jacob and Elizabeth Thiessen in Madrid Nebraska. He was the fourth of ten children. His family: Levi, Ray, Harry, Ruth, Allen, Delores, Helen, Betty, and Norma, grew not only in numbers, but in love and faith. They have a rich heritage of trust in God. This was first recorded in 1874 in a letter as Marvin´s great great grandfather from Russia sent a departing prayer to his son:
Dearest Jesus,
Pray for me with I falter
Heal me when I am ill,
Strengthen me when I am weak
Lift me up when I fall
Lead me as long as I am on my pilgrimage
To the Portal of Thy City
Amen
At the age of 12 his family moved to Oregon for work opportunities. The ingenuity of Marvin´s uncles and the collaboration between his 3 older brothers fostered a lifelong curiosity of mechanical things. The ''boys´´ would take apart and repair the car while their parents were gone to town. Marvin´s ''fix it´´ nature was born out of necessity, but it inspired a resourcefulness that prompted his success.
He graduated high school from Salem Academy in Oregon. He worked for 2 years helping support the family before attending Multnomah School of the Bible. Marvin accepted Christ as a young boy. His relationship with God and his love for people became the catalyst of his lifelong ministry. He began by service in VBS programs in Eastern Oregon. He later moved to California for a role through the Mennonite Central Committee at Village Chapel in Orange Cove, California He used his love of Music and gift of teaching to lead others to Christ. He was involved in starting and building the ministry at Grace Church in Reedley. Many lives were changed and lifelong relationships, like those with Bob Heinrichs´ family, were cultivated there. Marvin used his gifts of discipleship, music, and resourcefulness as a handyman in many different capacities to benefit others in the churches that he attended.
Marvin met the love of his life, Lois Stewart, and eventually asked her to marry him, joining him in service of others using the verse: ''Let us magnify the Lord together´´. They were married on June 29, 1952. During their 64 years together they were blessed with 2 children, Sam and Debra, welcomed their spouses, Sally Jessup and Jerry Penner, 5 grandchildren Karl and Beth Thiessen, Emily, Blair and Kelsey Penner, Spouses Lindsey, Casey Mount, Braden Klingaman, Jordan Mattox and 5 great grandchildren, Carver Thiessen, Henry and Josephine Mount, and Harper and Grace Klingamen. His unconditional love, care, support, and encouragement were evidence that each was treasured. The grandchildren argued that they were considered to be ''THE FAVORITE,´´ although we all know who was actually the favorite;).
From 1954 to 1997 Marvin worked for CitriCare, a family-owned citrus management company in Orosi. Marvin´s ''fix it´´ skill set and resourcefulness were continually stretched as farming technology and mechanical needs evolved over 43 years. He started with Don Miller rebudding frozen orange trees. He marveled at the miracle of grafting and perfected that skill throughout the years. Marvin brought continuity with his industrious work ethic as the company leadership transitioned to Don´s son Kendall and then son Arlin. He respected each and contributed to the success of the business.
In 1965 Marvin and Lois realized Marvin´s dream of owning his own farm. They took a significant leap of faith and purchased 20 acres of grapes with the understanding that they would be replaced with oranges. The ''Moonlight´´ farm was the TRUE REALITY as oranges were planted by moonlight after his job at CitriCare. Many ''moonlit´´ nights were used during the harvest season to dry grapes.
A used house, built in 1914, was moved from Fresno to the farm and became a family work in progress that continues to this day. They started by remodeling one room at a time in the early years. In the 1970´s Marvin embarked on the most ambitious project, the kitchen, where he built all the cabinets.
This was truly a family farm, where all members ''got´´ to join in on the ''fun´´. Lois, Sam, Debbie, Lois´s parents, brother, sisters, nieces, nephews and grandchildren all have great and/or tortuous memories of working. He motivated his family to help with a variety of rewards, which consisted of ''Pepsi Time´´, a ride on his John Deere, a tan, school clothes, and spending money. As the later generations became involved, the farm became a playground of endless adventure, including, but not limited to, hide and seek, orange fights, and countless hours of driving the ''toy.´´ All family members treasure their memories and Marvin appreciated the help of each one.
All the grandkids knew that Grandpa´s favorite tractor was a green and yellow John Deere. Each child loved the thrill of riding Papa´s tractor. He got the opportunity to join Sam and Debbie´s family on a trip to Iowa where he was not only able to watch Blair win a National Championship in volleyball, but he also went to the renowned John Deere Museum.
Marvin loved nature. Lois and Marvin traveled to many national parks and would include grandchildren in the adventure. He loved to inspire the children to notice intricacy of God´s handiwork whether it was walks at Montana de Oro, Yellowstone, or the majesty of Yosemite. His favorite example of floral paradox was the snowflower. The truth is he had more pictures of nature than of his children.
Coming home from one of her trips with Papa and Grandma, Emily commented that ''Papa talks to everyone´´. This was Marvin´s legacy of love for people that was inspired by God´s love. His lifelong ministry was giving and serving others. His generosity began with family but expanded with each new relationship. His service of others extended from Hume Lake to Kentucky and all the way to Mexico and Nicaragua. Many if not all of you have been recipients of his genuine, kind heart.
Marvin´s life was characterized by his LOVE, DEDICATION, AND FAITHFULNESS to his GOD, Family and Church. His walk of faith was a shining example of genuine love, a thankful heart, and simple trust in a powerful God.
He has joined his parents, Jacob and Elizabeth, brothers Harry, Raymond and sister Ruth in heaven. He is survived by siblings Levi, Allen, Delores Smith, Helen Berg, Betty Jondahl, Norma Balbo, his wife of 64 years Lois, son Sam and Sally, daughter Debbie and Jerry Penner, grandchildren Karl & Lindsey Thiessen, Beth and Casey Mount, Emily and Braden Klingaman, Blair Penner, Kelsey and Jordan Penner-Mattox, great-grandchildren Carver Thiessen, Henry and Josephine Mount, Harper and Grace Klingaman, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Obituary written by Emily Klingaman,Granddaughter
THIESSEN — Marvin F. Thiessen, 87, of Reedley died Nov. 24. He was a farmer. Graveside: 9:30 a.m. Dec. 5 at Smith Mountain Cemetery in Dinuba. Memorial: 11 a.m. Dec. 5 at First Baptist Church in Dinuba. Arrangements: Farewell Reedley Arrangement Center.
The Fresno Bee, November 30, 2016
************************************************************
Marvin F. Thiessen was born May 10, 1929 to Jacob and Elizabeth Thiessen in Madrid Nebraska. He was the fourth of ten children. His family: Levi, Ray, Harry, Ruth, Allen, Delores, Helen, Betty, and Norma, grew not only in numbers, but in love and faith. They have a rich heritage of trust in God. This was first recorded in 1874 in a letter as Marvin´s great great grandfather from Russia sent a departing prayer to his son:
Dearest Jesus,
Pray for me with I falter
Heal me when I am ill,
Strengthen me when I am weak
Lift me up when I fall
Lead me as long as I am on my pilgrimage
To the Portal of Thy City
Amen
At the age of 12 his family moved to Oregon for work opportunities. The ingenuity of Marvin´s uncles and the collaboration between his 3 older brothers fostered a lifelong curiosity of mechanical things. The ''boys´´ would take apart and repair the car while their parents were gone to town. Marvin´s ''fix it´´ nature was born out of necessity, but it inspired a resourcefulness that prompted his success.
He graduated high school from Salem Academy in Oregon. He worked for 2 years helping support the family before attending Multnomah School of the Bible. Marvin accepted Christ as a young boy. His relationship with God and his love for people became the catalyst of his lifelong ministry. He began by service in VBS programs in Eastern Oregon. He later moved to California for a role through the Mennonite Central Committee at Village Chapel in Orange Cove, California He used his love of Music and gift of teaching to lead others to Christ. He was involved in starting and building the ministry at Grace Church in Reedley. Many lives were changed and lifelong relationships, like those with Bob Heinrichs´ family, were cultivated there. Marvin used his gifts of discipleship, music, and resourcefulness as a handyman in many different capacities to benefit others in the churches that he attended.
Marvin met the love of his life, Lois Stewart, and eventually asked her to marry him, joining him in service of others using the verse: ''Let us magnify the Lord together´´. They were married on June 29, 1952. During their 64 years together they were blessed with 2 children, Sam and Debra, welcomed their spouses, Sally Jessup and Jerry Penner, 5 grandchildren Karl and Beth Thiessen, Emily, Blair and Kelsey Penner, Spouses Lindsey, Casey Mount, Braden Klingaman, Jordan Mattox and 5 great grandchildren, Carver Thiessen, Henry and Josephine Mount, and Harper and Grace Klingamen. His unconditional love, care, support, and encouragement were evidence that each was treasured. The grandchildren argued that they were considered to be ''THE FAVORITE,´´ although we all know who was actually the favorite;).
From 1954 to 1997 Marvin worked for CitriCare, a family-owned citrus management company in Orosi. Marvin´s ''fix it´´ skill set and resourcefulness were continually stretched as farming technology and mechanical needs evolved over 43 years. He started with Don Miller rebudding frozen orange trees. He marveled at the miracle of grafting and perfected that skill throughout the years. Marvin brought continuity with his industrious work ethic as the company leadership transitioned to Don´s son Kendall and then son Arlin. He respected each and contributed to the success of the business.
In 1965 Marvin and Lois realized Marvin´s dream of owning his own farm. They took a significant leap of faith and purchased 20 acres of grapes with the understanding that they would be replaced with oranges. The ''Moonlight´´ farm was the TRUE REALITY as oranges were planted by moonlight after his job at CitriCare. Many ''moonlit´´ nights were used during the harvest season to dry grapes.
A used house, built in 1914, was moved from Fresno to the farm and became a family work in progress that continues to this day. They started by remodeling one room at a time in the early years. In the 1970´s Marvin embarked on the most ambitious project, the kitchen, where he built all the cabinets.
This was truly a family farm, where all members ''got´´ to join in on the ''fun´´. Lois, Sam, Debbie, Lois´s parents, brother, sisters, nieces, nephews and grandchildren all have great and/or tortuous memories of working. He motivated his family to help with a variety of rewards, which consisted of ''Pepsi Time´´, a ride on his John Deere, a tan, school clothes, and spending money. As the later generations became involved, the farm became a playground of endless adventure, including, but not limited to, hide and seek, orange fights, and countless hours of driving the ''toy.´´ All family members treasure their memories and Marvin appreciated the help of each one.
All the grandkids knew that Grandpa´s favorite tractor was a green and yellow John Deere. Each child loved the thrill of riding Papa´s tractor. He got the opportunity to join Sam and Debbie´s family on a trip to Iowa where he was not only able to watch Blair win a National Championship in volleyball, but he also went to the renowned John Deere Museum.
Marvin loved nature. Lois and Marvin traveled to many national parks and would include grandchildren in the adventure. He loved to inspire the children to notice intricacy of God´s handiwork whether it was walks at Montana de Oro, Yellowstone, or the majesty of Yosemite. His favorite example of floral paradox was the snowflower. The truth is he had more pictures of nature than of his children.
Coming home from one of her trips with Papa and Grandma, Emily commented that ''Papa talks to everyone´´. This was Marvin´s legacy of love for people that was inspired by God´s love. His lifelong ministry was giving and serving others. His generosity began with family but expanded with each new relationship. His service of others extended from Hume Lake to Kentucky and all the way to Mexico and Nicaragua. Many if not all of you have been recipients of his genuine, kind heart.
Marvin´s life was characterized by his LOVE, DEDICATION, AND FAITHFULNESS to his GOD, Family and Church. His walk of faith was a shining example of genuine love, a thankful heart, and simple trust in a powerful God.
He has joined his parents, Jacob and Elizabeth, brothers Harry, Raymond and sister Ruth in heaven. He is survived by siblings Levi, Allen, Delores Smith, Helen Berg, Betty Jondahl, Norma Balbo, his wife of 64 years Lois, son Sam and Sally, daughter Debbie and Jerry Penner, grandchildren Karl & Lindsey Thiessen, Beth and Casey Mount, Emily and Braden Klingaman, Blair Penner, Kelsey and Jordan Penner-Mattox, great-grandchildren Carver Thiessen, Henry and Josephine Mount, Harper and Grace Klingaman, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Obituary written by Emily Klingaman,Granddaughter
The Fresno Bee, November 30, 2016
************************************************************
Marvin F. Thiessen was born May 10, 1929 to Jacob and Elizabeth Thiessen in Madrid Nebraska. He was the fourth of ten children. His family: Levi, Ray, Harry, Ruth, Allen, Delores, Helen, Betty, and Norma, grew not only in numbers, but in love and faith. They have a rich heritage of trust in God. This was first recorded in 1874 in a letter as Marvin´s great great grandfather from Russia sent a departing prayer to his son:
Dearest Jesus,
Pray for me with I falter
Heal me when I am ill,
Strengthen me when I am weak
Lift me up when I fall
Lead me as long as I am on my pilgrimage
To the Portal of Thy City
Amen
At the age of 12 his family moved to Oregon for work opportunities. The ingenuity of Marvin´s uncles and the collaboration between his 3 older brothers fostered a lifelong curiosity of mechanical things. The ''boys´´ would take apart and repair the car while their parents were gone to town. Marvin´s ''fix it´´ nature was born out of necessity, but it inspired a resourcefulness that prompted his success.
He graduated high school from Salem Academy in Oregon. He worked for 2 years helping support the family before attending Multnomah School of the Bible. Marvin accepted Christ as a young boy. His relationship with God and his love for people became the catalyst of his lifelong ministry. He began by service in VBS programs in Eastern Oregon. He later moved to California for a role through the Mennonite Central Committee at Village Chapel in Orange Cove, California He used his love of Music and gift of teaching to lead others to Christ. He was involved in starting and building the ministry at Grace Church in Reedley. Many lives were changed and lifelong relationships, like those with Bob Heinrichs´ family, were cultivated there. Marvin used his gifts of discipleship, music, and resourcefulness as a handyman in many different capacities to benefit others in the churches that he attended.
Marvin met the love of his life, Lois Stewart, and eventually asked her to marry him, joining him in service of others using the verse: ''Let us magnify the Lord together´´. They were married on June 29, 1952. During their 64 years together they were blessed with 2 children, Sam and Debra, welcomed their spouses, Sally Jessup and Jerry Penner, 5 grandchildren Karl and Beth Thiessen, Emily, Blair and Kelsey Penner, Spouses Lindsey, Casey Mount, Braden Klingaman, Jordan Mattox and 5 great grandchildren, Carver Thiessen, Henry and Josephine Mount, and Harper and Grace Klingamen. His unconditional love, care, support, and encouragement were evidence that each was treasured. The grandchildren argued that they were considered to be ''THE FAVORITE,´´ although we all know who was actually the favorite;).
From 1954 to 1997 Marvin worked for CitriCare, a family-owned citrus management company in Orosi. Marvin´s ''fix it´´ skill set and resourcefulness were continually stretched as farming technology and mechanical needs evolved over 43 years. He started with Don Miller rebudding frozen orange trees. He marveled at the miracle of grafting and perfected that skill throughout the years. Marvin brought continuity with his industrious work ethic as the company leadership transitioned to Don´s son Kendall and then son Arlin. He respected each and contributed to the success of the business.
In 1965 Marvin and Lois realized Marvin´s dream of owning his own farm. They took a significant leap of faith and purchased 20 acres of grapes with the understanding that they would be replaced with oranges. The ''Moonlight´´ farm was the TRUE REALITY as oranges were planted by moonlight after his job at CitriCare. Many ''moonlit´´ nights were used during the harvest season to dry grapes.
A used house, built in 1914, was moved from Fresno to the farm and became a family work in progress that continues to this day. They started by remodeling one room at a time in the early years. In the 1970´s Marvin embarked on the most ambitious project, the kitchen, where he built all the cabinets.
This was truly a family farm, where all members ''got´´ to join in on the ''fun´´. Lois, Sam, Debbie, Lois´s parents, brother, sisters, nieces, nephews and grandchildren all have great and/or tortuous memories of working. He motivated his family to help with a variety of rewards, which consisted of ''Pepsi Time´´, a ride on his John Deere, a tan, school clothes, and spending money. As the later generations became involved, the farm became a playground of endless adventure, including, but not limited to, hide and seek, orange fights, and countless hours of driving the ''toy.´´ All family members treasure their memories and Marvin appreciated the help of each one.
All the grandkids knew that Grandpa´s favorite tractor was a green and yellow John Deere. Each child loved the thrill of riding Papa´s tractor. He got the opportunity to join Sam and Debbie´s family on a trip to Iowa where he was not only able to watch Blair win a National Championship in volleyball, but he also went to the renowned John Deere Museum.
Marvin loved nature. Lois and Marvin traveled to many national parks and would include grandchildren in the adventure. He loved to inspire the children to notice intricacy of God´s handiwork whether it was walks at Montana de Oro, Yellowstone, or the majesty of Yosemite. His favorite example of floral paradox was the snowflower. The truth is he had more pictures of nature than of his children.
Coming home from one of her trips with Papa and Grandma, Emily commented that ''Papa talks to everyone´´. This was Marvin´s legacy of love for people that was inspired by God´s love. His lifelong ministry was giving and serving others. His generosity began with family but expanded with each new relationship. His service of others extended from Hume Lake to Kentucky and all the way to Mexico and Nicaragua. Many if not all of you have been recipients of his genuine, kind heart.
Marvin´s life was characterized by his LOVE, DEDICATION, AND FAITHFULNESS to his GOD, Family and Church. His walk of faith was a shining example of genuine love, a thankful heart, and simple trust in a powerful God.
He has joined his parents, Jacob and Elizabeth, brothers Harry, Raymond and sister Ruth in heaven. He is survived by siblings Levi, Allen, Delores Smith, Helen Berg, Betty Jondahl, Norma Balbo, his wife of 64 years Lois, son Sam and Sally, daughter Debbie and Jerry Penner, grandchildren Karl & Lindsey Thiessen, Beth and Casey Mount, Emily and Braden Klingaman, Blair Penner, Kelsey and Jordan Penner-Mattox, great-grandchildren Carver Thiessen, Henry and Josephine Mount, Harper and Grace Klingaman, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Obituary written by Emily Klingaman,Granddaughter
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