Nichols, Marvin Dewayne - 1935-2012

BUTTZ, HAUG, MAUTZ, NICHOLS

Posted By: Polk volunteer
Date: 8/11/2024 at 11:41:00

Marvin Dewayne Nichols, 77, of Ankeny, IA, passed away Thursday, November 1, 2012. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday, November 5, 2012 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1100 Sharon Dr., Ankeny, IA with burial at Greenwood Cemetery in Ankeny.
Marvin was born in rural Polk County, IA, on May 20, 1935, to Norman and Lois Nichols. He was the oldest of five children. He attended Ankeny High School where he met his wife of 52 years, Janet, as they rehearsed for the junior class play.
Marvin and Janet's life motto was, "Corn, Cattle and Kids." The couple owned and operated their family farm, (I-Own-A-Farm) from 1956 until the present day. Together they built and managed Nichols Cryogenics, Inc., a bull stud service. Marvin judged state, regional and national cattle shows. He owned and exhibited many champion bulls and heifers. In 1986 he exhibited the World Champion Charolais bull. As a leader, Marvin was a board member for the American International Charolais Association, Treasurer and Executive Board member of the Iowa Cattleman's Association and President of the Beef Improvement Federation.
Marvin's five children, his "Nichols' worth", were provided 31 years of college and enjoyed 33 years of 4H together. He encouraged creativity, accountability and a lifestyle of integrity for his children. Marvin's word and hand shake were all that was ever needed. He was a long time member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and instilled his strong belief in Jesus Christ as his personal savior to each of his family members.
Marvin is survived by his five children, Jenifer (Cendyl) Buttz of Slater, IA; Mark (Sheila) Nichols of Pender, NE; Eric (Cynthia) Nichols of St. Joseph, MO; Ann Nichols of Ankeny, IA; and Heather (Pete) Haug of Knapp, WI. Marvin had eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two brothers, Roger (Sharon) Nichols of Prairie City, IA: Gaylord (Sue) Nichols of Jefferson City, MO; and one sister, Judy Mautz of Cleveland, MO. Marvin was preceded in death by his wife, Janet; his parents; and his infant brother, Stephen.
As one long-time family friend said about Marvin (and Janet), "Marvin and Janet were gifted to make everyone feel like family. They had a special and rare talent that is difficult to find in families today. Both were warm and caring people who would open the door of their house to many they didn't know and develop friendship with everyone there."
Visitation will be 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, November 4, 2012 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1100 Sharon, Ankeny, IA. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the "Marvin Nichols Memorial" at 409 Boone Street, Slater, IA 50244. Memorial monies will be donated to various care giving institutions that helped extend the good quality of Marvin's life.
Those wishing to sign the online guest book may do so at www.ankenyfuneralhome.com.
Published in Des Moines (IA) Register; Monday, November 5, 2012, page 9A