August 16, 1925 – January 10, 2021

Funeral services for Marvin Rozeboom, 95, of Edgerton, formerly of Leota, were held Saturday, January 16, 2021; 11:00 a.m. at Ebenezer Christian Reformed Church in Leota with Pastor LeRoy Christoffels officiating. Interment was in the Leota Community Cemetery.

Music was provided by organist Julie Vis; special music, Find Us Faithful by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and congregational hymns It Is Well With My Soul, How Great Thou Art, and Blessed Assurance.

Casketbearers were Jim Rozeboom, Jerod Rozeboom, Justin Moss, Reid Rozeboom, Bill J. Kooiker, and Michael Vanden Berg.

Marvin Myron Rozeboom was born on August 16, 1925, near Edgerton, Minn., to John and Anna (Eckhoff) Rozeboom. He became the fifth child of the Rozeboom family of six boys and one girl. Marv and his siblings enjoyed growing up together until Marv reached the age of 14. His dad’s errand to town ended tragically in a one-car accident. This event was a life-changer for all involved. After graduating from Edgerton Christian, Marv and his brothers continued to keep the farm going until Anna moved to town and the older siblings found their life partners.

Eventually, Marv also met Alma. They were married in 1947. They began farming, renting a couple farms in the area until taking over the Bolt family farm in 1958. They lived on that farm for 31 years.

During those farming years, Marv and Alma had four children. Marv and two of his brothers, Bud and Vern, shared farm equipment as they did the harvesting and baling. Throughout his farming occupation, Marv did custom baling, raised hogs, milked cows, and fed cattle.

Marv was committed to doing what was expected of a person who loved the Lord. He was content in helping others as he served on the school board in Leota Christian School and participated in the council at Ebenezer CRC. Every Sunday, Marv saw to it that he and his family attended church. He also was involved in Men’s Society meetings even in his older years when he couldn’t hear much. He was quiet, but he listened well, growing in his faith. It was obvious to those who spent time with him that he loved the Lord by living out his faith.

When the Rozebooms and their families gathered together, they had a great time. It was during events like this that his dry and quick-witted sense of humor would show up. He also became an expert Rook player, teaching several of his grandkids how to play. Playing horseshoes with his friends was another favorite activity for him.

As Marv and Alma’s family grew, they were thankful and felt blessed to have 14 grandchildren. He had a fun personality, using different sayings like “You bet your boots” or “That guy is so skinny that he needs only one stripe on his overalls!” Those grandchildren soon began having their own children, making him a great-grandpa. When that number grew to 47, it was like icing on the cake for him.

Marv continued to work with Jim nearly every day either in farming activities or by going along on carpentry jobs. Jim says that there was never a dull moment when Marv helped.

In their retirement years, Marv and Alma traveled on tours across the country and nearby. These trips provided opportunities to meet new friends and to view the beauty of God’s creation.

After Alma died in 2015, it was difficult for Marv to adjust. However, he did, spending many noons at the Leota Cafe. He kept himself busy, such as riding his bike to get his mail, mowing his own lawn, and attending birthday parties and baptisms for his “Greats.” Then a more confusing night than usual happened in 2018. He ended up with his car in the ditch. It was at that time that he moved to Edgebrook. There he became well-known for his constant wheeling of his wheelchair, trying to get somewhere fast. Those who took care of him enjoyed his attitude and funny comments.

On Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010, Marv died at Edgebrook Care Center in Edgerton at the age of 95.

Marvin is survived by his children: Jim (Eileen) Rozeboom of Edgerton, Brenda (Bill) Kooiker of   Orange City, Iowa, and Cheryl (Jake) Moss of Luverne; 13 grandchildren, and 47 great-grandchildren. Other survivors are his son-in-law Allen Brands, sisters and brothers-in-law, John and Arlowyn Bolt, Carolyn Van Dam, Elaine and Harley Peterson, Pete and Helene DeKam, and Harriet and John Vander Haar, along with numerous nephews and nieces.

He was greeted in heaven by many relatives, especially Alma, his daughter Verna, and his granddaughter Tonya.