Marvin Lee Staker, 94, of Traer, passed away Sunday, October 11, 2026 at Sunrise Hill Care Center in Traer under the care of Cedar Valley Hospice. A Memorial Visitation will be held Friday, October 16, 2026 from 9-11 AM at the Ripley United Church of Christ, 400 S. Main St., Traer with a Memorial Service to follow at 11:00 AM at the church with Pastor Jim Coppoc officiating. Interment for Marvin and Verona will follow at Buckingham Cemetery in Traer with Military Honors.

Marvin was born on October 31, 1931, on a farm near Dysart, Iowa, the son of William and Edith (Nessler) Staker.

Marvin started country school in Dysart, moving to Laurel and Rhodes and graduating from Rhodes High School in 1950. He moved to Garwin in 1950, working on road construction and Lennox Industries in Marshalltown. Marvin married the love of his life, Verona Langenbau, in June of 1952. In October of 1952, he left to serve his country in the U.S. Army, serving in Korea and returning to the states in June of 1954, after being honorably discharged. Marvin and Verona started farming near Traer and moved to Traer in 1979.

Marvin was a member of Ripley United Church of Christ in Traer, and Traer American Legion Kubik-Finch Post 142. He was previously on the boards of REC and North Tama School.

He loved landscaping, mowing lawns, and working with wood, in which he made many unique birdhouses, benches and much more. Marvin enjoyed farming and watching his children and grandchildren play sports. He will be fondly remembered for riding around town in his golf cart with a pipe in his mouth.

Survivors include three daughters, Cindy (Josh) Youel of Traer, Dawn (Ken) Crawford of Riverside, and Tammi (Scott) Hamilton of Clear Lake; daughter-in-law, Lynn Staker of Traer; nine grandchildren, Leigh (Tyler) Sell, Megan (Soheil) Alaghmandan, Brent (Danielle) Staker, Dylan (Madi) Youel, Josie (Dalton) Hulme, Alec (Kim) Crawford, Cole (Lauren) Crawford, Breanna (Rudy) Wieck, and Bryson (Paige) Hamilton; sixteen great-grandchildren, and two on the way; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents; wife, Verona, and son Kendall, both in 2026; two brothers, Lemoine (Leila) Staker, and Roland (Lorraine) Staker; one sister, Lucille (Charlie) Beck.

A memorial fund will be established.