Marvin Machel

Marvin Frank Machel passed away unexpectedly Monday, December 11, 2017 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.  He was born to Edward and Ella (Plautz) Machel on August 14, 1921 in Wausau.  He graduated from Wausau High School and worked at Curtis Co., a woodworking company, until he was called-up in the draft for World War II.

Marvin served in the US Army for almost four years as part of the 79th Infantry Division.  He trained at Camp Pickett (VA), Camp Blanding (FL) and the University of Connecticut.  His service took him to France, Germany, Austria, Belgium and Luxemburg.   He was part of the Battle of the Bulge and received a Bronze Star for his service.  Marvin’s service was recognized through his 2011 participation in Honor Flight.

After his honorable discharge, Marvin returned to Curtis Co. for a number of years.  He then joined PCA- Production Credit Association of Wausau.  He became manager of the Wausau Branch and retired from PCA after 27 years of service.

Marvin married LaVern Hoffmann on November 23, 1946 at Rib Falls Methodist Church.  They celebrated 71 years of marriage on Thanksgiving Day.  Survivors include his wife, brother-in-law Arden (Molly) Hoffmann, sister-in-law Laurel Hoffmann, four nieces Beverly (Gene) Lundt, Iowa; Diana (Robert) Hedtke, Indiana; Rebecca (John Kear) Hoffmann, Minnesota; Deborah (Paul) Clarke, Wausau; along with grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, sister Elvera Roepke, brother-in- laws Gib Roepke and Delmor Hoffmann.

Marvin grew up enjoying all sports.  He especially loved playing softball and hockey.  He was an avid football fan making sure he tuned into every Badger and Packer game while donning the appropriate team attire.  Marvin was also an outdoorsman hunting small game and fishing.  In retirement, Marvin traveled, played golf and volunteered for many years installing Lifeline systems for Aspirus.

Marvin was a member of St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church all his life.  He served in various positions on the Council, taught Sunday School, played on the dartball team, and was active in the Brotherhood (Men of the Church) organization.  He joined the Kiwanis club of Greater Wausau where he served as Secretary, Treasurer, and Newsletter Editor for many years.  He enjoyed attending many of the international conventions to learn more about the worldwide efforts to help children.

Services will be held at 3:30 PM on Saturday, December 16, 2017 at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church.  Reverend Jennifer Dahle will officiate.  Visitation will be from 1:30 PM until the time of service at the church on Saturday.  Burial will be at Restlawn Memorial Park at a later date.  Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be direct to World Hunger ELCA (Please make checks payable to ELCA World Hunger.  Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, ELCA Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 1809, Merrifield, VA 22116-8009) or a charity of your choice.