Marion Gustav Sindt, of Oakland, IA, the eldest son of George Sindt and Willetta Howard Sindt was born on November 21, 1942 in Council Bluffs, IA. He passed away December 23, 2020 in Gilbert, Arizona while visiting relatives.

Marion grew up on the family farm near Tennant and attended Shelby-Tennant school. He married Thelma Irene Zimmerman July 22nd,1961. They moved to Omaha where he worked for Safeway. Later, living in Harlan and Shelby, Marion worked in the service station, had his own small engine shop, worked construction at a gravel pit and drove a truck locally and over the road.

After the death of his wife, he continued to drive over the road.

Marion married Sheryl Danker Nelsen on May 19, 1990. In the fall, Marion responded to the call of the ministry, enrolled at Iowa Western Community College at the age of 50. After 3 semesters, he transferred to Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa. He worked for Crouse Cartage while attending school. In July of 1996 they moved to Akron, Iowa where he was assigned to the Wesley United Methodist Church. He graduated from Morningside and continued studies at the Baptist Seminary in Sioux Falls for his Master of Divinity degree.

Marion was transferred to Nashua, Iowa serving the Nashua United Methodist Church and Republic Community Church from 2000 thru June 2005. While he serviced there Sheryl became ill and needed much of his attention. He considered retiring but was transferred closer to home to Radcliff, Iowa, serving St. John’s UMC and Ellsworth UMC from 2005 through 2007 when they moved back to Sheryl’s family farm near Oakland IA.

Retired for a short time he received a call to pastor part-time at Westley Chapel UMC and Emerson UMC, then to Grant UMC/Noble Center UMC when he finally retired in 2018.

Living on the farm, he enjoyed mowing the large yard and anywhere else he could get his lawn tractor through. He constructed a building for his exotic bird sanctuary, homing pigeons, laying hens and ducks. He loved camping and sitting late into the night by the campfire. He did most of the cooking over an open fire. He also enjoyed fishing and traveling.

Marion is survived by his wife Sheryl, children, Michael Sindt, Liane (Aaron) Long, Brad (Tracy) Sindt Emily (Kent) Mattoon, step-daughters Cindy (Rick) Hustig, Kim (Steve) Dresen, 19 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Brothers, John (Elaine) Sindt, Robert (Kathryn) Sindt and sister Julie (John) Bruderer. He was preceded in death by his parents George and Willetta Sindt, wife Thelma Sindt.

A memorial service for Marion will be held at a later date.   Rieken Vieth Funeral Home in Oakland is assisting the family with arrangements.