Marvin Francis Bertels, 89, of Nortonville, Kansas, passed away peacefully with dignity and grace into eternal life surrounded by his family, Friday, September 4, 2015 at Shawnee Hills Independent Living Center in Shawnee, Kansas.

Marvin was born in Nortonville, May 18, 1926, to Joseph and Clara (Weishaar) Bertels. He was from the greatest generation, growing up during the great depression on a small form north of town with his five sisters and two brothers. After several years being self-employed in construction, he worked nine years for the AT&T railroad out of Lawrence, Kansas. Marvin retired from ConTel after 31 years in 1988 beginning as a lineman but mostly in central office equipment where he converted the party-line system in digital in the Jefferson County area. Marvin was active in parish life, serving on the parish council and a life member of the Knights of Columbus. But his greatest achievement was as husband, dad, grandpa and great-grandpa. He had a quiet gentle strength of spirit that inspired more than any material or professional achievement. His faith in God and the witness he gave his family will forever define the true man he was.

Marvin married Mary Ann Shannon on her birthday, May 22, 1950 in a double ring ceremony with his sister, Mary (Bertels) and Herb Frederick. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary last May.

Marvin is survived by his wife Mary Ann; five daughters, Dianne (Dennis) Call, Margaret (Mark) Wladika, Teresa (Colin) Albers, Francie (Mark) Sittenauer, and Joanie (Ken) Baxter; three sons, Jim (Kathleen Page), Ed (Kelly Withrow) and Chris (Christina Martin). He leaves a future generation of 15 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. Marvin is also survived by sisters, Rita Frederick (Pat), Marjie Wills (Barry), Mary Frederick and Ann Huss.

Two great-grandchildren preceding him in death held his hand into heaven. He was also preceded in death by siblings, Don Bertels and wife Gladys, Bob Bertels and wife Liz, Kathleen and husband Clarence and in-laws Herb Frederick, Bernard Lutz and Gene Huss.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Nortonville. A parish rosary will be recited at 6:00 pm, Monday, September 7, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Nortonville with visitation to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church and Cemetery or Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care (kchospice.org). The O’Trimble Funeral Home in Nortonvile is in charge of the arrangements.