Marvin Eugene Focht, the son of Fred and Belva Irene Gourley Focht was born August 12, 1931 in northeast Montgomery County, Iowa. He passed away on February 1, 2011 at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital, Red Oak, Iowa at the age of 79 years, 5 months and 20 days, after a 24 month courageous and hard fought battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Marvin grew up in northeast Montgomery County graduating from Villisca High School in l948. Marvin entered active duty in the U. S. Army on January 24, l952 during the Korean War and was stationed in Germany during his active enlistment. After leaving active duty, he joined the Army Reserves and served in Stanton, Creston, Council Bluffs, Omaha, Sioux City and Des Moines. In 1967, he was recognized by the Des Moines Register for Outstanding Achievement as the U. S. Army Reservist of the Year for the State of Iowa. Marvin was qualified in Infantry, Quarter Master, Inspector General and Finance, and retired after 33 years with the rank of Colonel. Upon leaving active duty on December 31, 1953, Marvin started his farming career near Wallin, Iowa. Marvin was united in marriage to Barbara Linn on November 24, 1957 in Red Oak. In the late 70's and early 80's their sons, Mark and Rod joined the family farming operation. With their help, they built a long lasting family farming operation that now includes some of Marvin's grandsons. Marvin was very actively involved in this operation until 2011 and being a good farmer was one of his greatest passions in life. Marvin loved watching his children and grandchildren in all of their sporting events. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan and also enjoyed hunting and his dogs. While involved in the farming operation, Marvin also took a very active role in local, county and regional boards and organizations. Some of the boards that he served on included the Tabor Lutheran Church, Stanton School Board, the Stanton COOP, 33 years on Southwest Iowa REC, East Central Iowa CIPCO, Iowa Area Development and 17 years on the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital board. In many instances, Marvin took a leadership role on these boards and often served as chairman of these organizations. Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, sister LaVonne, and daughter-in-law LaDonna Focht. Marvin is survived by his wife of 53 years Barbara of Villisca, IA; sons: Jeff wife Nora of Omaha, NE; Mark special friend Michelle of Villisca, IA; Rod of Stanton, IA; and daughter Sue Reynolds husband Dennis of Griswold, IA; sister Janice Lewis husband Dwight of Villisca, IA; grandchildren: Andrew Focht wife Karla, Aaron Focht special friend Rachelle, Ryan Focht special friend Jennifer, Amanda, Grant, Greg and Ally Focht and Dakota Reynolds; step-grandchildren: Bryan Leary wife Andrea, Amanda and Drew; great-grandchild Lilly Focht; step-great-grandchildren: Riley, Karlee and Aubree Leary; nieces and nephews, many friends and his special dog, Charlee. May God bless his memory and give strength to those who mourn. Funeral Service will be held Friday, February 4, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. at Mamrelund Lutheran Church, Stanton, Iowa. Rev. Dr. Eric Kutzli and Rev. Gordon Scott, Officiating Private Family Burial will take place at 4:00 p.m. at the Mortons Mill Cemetery with Military Rites by the American Legion Ernie Johnson Post #406 of Stanton. Visitation with the family will be held Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Mamrelund Lutheran Church in Stanton. Memorials can be directed to the Tabor Lutheran Church, Montgomery County Memorial Hospital Foundation, or Fire & Rescue in Stanton, Villisca or Grant. Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.