Marvin Van Briggle

Marvin Leslie Van Briggle was born to Frances and Lowell Van Briggle on October 15, 1943, in Gordon, Nebraska. He joined one brother and two sisters. He passed away November 14, 2023, at Gordon Countryside Care.

Marvin’s childhood was spent in Gordon and on the farm north of Gordon, where he attended Gordon Elementary School and later Sunny Knoll School. He graduated from Gordon High School in 1962. Marv attended the National School of Business and graduated in 1964. He joined the National Guard and spent several years serving on weekends and in the summers.

Marv worked for Keller’s Conoco and later worked for Glenn Messenger at the Ford Garage. He worked for Bill Annette at Ford and later he went on to work for Merchen Chevrolet in parts and sales. The garage was sold to Dick Coon and Marv continued to work there before going to work for Shannon County Schools as accounts payable clerk. He enjoyed his time there. His later years were spent at Pizza Hut, Ideal Market and Grocery Mart, as well as the US Post Office.

In 1970 he married Marilyn Bartlett of Newcastle, Wyoming. They raised two boys, Christopher and Brett, who were the light of their lives. Their life was centered around the boys and their antics and activities. Time with family was most precious to both Marv and Marilyn.

They started hosting exchange students in 2001. Before they were done, they hosted 13 students from Ecuador, Japan, Brazil, Mexico, and Germany. There were 12 boys and 1 girl. This was a chance to learn about other cultures without leaving home and to have the kids around, which both Marv and Marilyn enjoyed immensely.

Marv loved cars, learning about cars, fixing cars, and talking about cars. Much of the family social life centered around car tours, and car club. Marv did not know a stranger and never had a harsh word for anyone, even if they deserved it. His family and friends were of utmost importance to him, and he did his best to take care of both. He was really into Gordon history and enjoyed talking about and comparing notes with others on past happenings in Gordon.

He served on a lot of boards, including the day care board and Fieldside School Board. He was a 4H leader and worked with the Boy Scouts. For years he helped with Punt, Pass, and Kick, which was sponsored by the Ford Garage. There was not a job he was afraid to tackle. He taught a Powder Puff Mechanics class through Chadron State Adult Education.

His long and debilitating illness was met with patience and hope. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lowell and Frances, sisters Lorraine and Carol, brother Alvin and infant brother Harlan. He is survived by his wife Marilyn, his sons Chris (Deanne), Brett (Kylee), grandchildren Gretta, Connor, Emily and Charlie, his brother Orlan (Colleen) and Annette (Dennis) and a host of nieces and nephews. Special thanks to the ambulance crew, friends, and neighbors who have been so much help during the past 10 years.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, December 9, 2023, 11:00 AM, at the United Methodist Church, Gordon, Nebraska.