Marvin Bissen Obituary

Marvin Paul Bissen was born on a farm in Crawford county in Iowa to Joseph and Anna (Erlbacher) Bissen on August 7, 1926. He attended St. Paul’s Catholic School in Defiance, Iowa. One year of his schooling was near the farm in a country school. Marvin graduated with the class of 1944. He worked with his dad on the farm until he was 21 years old. He received room, board and spending money for working on the farm. He married Helen Gross on September 30, 1947 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Earling, Iowa. With this union six children were born. The children are Linda, Duane, Connie, Dennis, Nancy and Roger.
Marvin farmed from 1948 to 1972 in Shelby County. In 1972 Marvin started working as a District Manager for various Hybrid seed companies for nearly 30 years. During those years he also earned a degree in Agronomy. In 1991 Marvin and his wife moved to Harlan, Iowa where they semi-retired. At that time Marvin drove a school bus for the Harlan School District for ten years.
In 1960 Marvin became a 4-H leader. He also served 2 three-year terms on the Shelby County Extension Board. His service in these two areas continued through 1980. In 1947 Marvin joined the 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus where he has continued to be a lifetime member. Offices held were Grand Knight, Deputy Grand Knight, Chancellor, Treasurer, and Trustee. In 1983 Marvin joined the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. Offices held were Faithful Navigator, Faithful Controller, Faithful Pilot, and Trustee. In 1996 and 2016 Marvin received the Knight-of-the-Year award. Marvin served 2 three-year terms on the St. Michael Parish Council in Harlan. He served one year as President on that council. In 1983 he became a Eucharistic Minister for several years. In 2005 Marvin started the Saturday night rosary service at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. He was responsible for leading it and delegating others to lead. He is a member of the Golden K Kiwanis group in Harlan.
For years Marvin has enjoyed golf with family and friends. He has also spent many years hunting with his sons, other relatives and friends. Family gatherings were very important to Marvin. These family gatherings which included grilling, family golf tournaments, laughter, playing cards and he always enjoyed telling a good joke. During his retirement years he became a very proficient and skilled craftsman with woodworking. Many people in Shelby county as well as his family have enjoyed his talents with woodworking by using and displaying these items in their homes. Over the years Marvin has enjoyed traveling with the senior tour playing golf, shooting pool and playing cards with his friends.
Marvin died on July 10, 2022 having attained the age of 95. He was preceded in death by his wife Helen of 68 years; his son Duane; Kurt, husband of grandchild Jennifer McDonald; his parents; his brother Leonard and his wife Bernice Bissen; his brother Francis and his wife Marcy Bissen; sister Ann and her husbands Linus Goblisch and LaVerne Christiansen; and brother-in-law Tony Schiltz. He is survived by his children: Linda and her husband Keith Graeve of Branson, MO; daughter-in-law Sheryl Bissen of Grinnell, IA; Pastor Connie Bissen of Omaha, NE; Dennis Bissen and his wife Bonnie of Kimballton, IA; Nancy and her husband Leo Kochanowicz of Omaha, NE; Roger Bissen and his wife DeaAnn of Harlan, IA; 17 grandchildren; 35 great grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren. Sister Benita Schiltz of Earling, IA; other family members and friends.