Marvin Lee Bodlak

Marvin Lee Bodlak, 67, of Emerson, NE, died on Friday, April 1, 2022, surrounded by his family at his home.  A memorial service for Marvin will be held on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Wayne, NE; Pastor Michael Buchhorn will be officiating.  The visitation will be held on Monday, April 4, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Bressler - Munderloh Smith Funeral Home in Wakefield.  Inurnment will be in the Rosehill Cemetery of Pender.

Marvin was born in Wakefield, NE on May 21, 1954, to John and Henrietta Bodlak.  Marvin grew up on a farm. As a child, he helped his family raise crops, hogs, chickens, cows, and on one occasion, goats. (Goat ownership, in his view, was dubious business; for the rest of his life, he implored anyone willing to listen to avoid them at all costs). After graduating from Wakefield High School, Marvin began farming with his father John and brother Paul. During this period, he applied his mechanical skills by designing and manufacturing forklifts with his brother-in-law. Later, he further used these abilities by establishing and running an auto shop with his cousin.

In 1983, Marvin married Carlene Hoffman. In their first few years of marriage, they kept honeybees and farmed together, splitting time between northeast and central Nebraska. In 1985, Marvin transitioned to farming full-time. He and Carlene established a home in rural Emerson, NE, where Marvin lived and worked the earth with his brother and nephew until the end of his life.

Marvin was quiet but had a great sense of humor and a quick wit. He enjoyed photography, tinkering with machinery, and outdoor activities like biking and camping. He was a faithful son, husband, father, and friend. Marvin was a committed follower of Jesus Christ and a confirmed member of Grace Lutheran Church in Wayne, NE. The fruit of his faith was seen in his generosity, humility, thoughtfulness, and willingness to help others, even when inconvenient. He was a gentle soul. His relationship with Jesus was a source of strength and hope, particularly in the final years of his life as he battled the neurological disease from which he eventually died.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Henrietta, and is survived by his wife, Carlene; children Eric, Aprill (Igor), Tyler (Casey), and Ryan; six grandchildren; siblings Paul (Jean), Helen, Joyce, and David (Tina); and many nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his loved ones.