Obituary: Schmuck, Marvin George

SCHMUCK, Marvin George
“Laughing Otter”

Marvin George Schmuck, age 74, passed away on May 29, 2012 at Hospice House in Spokane, WA.

Marvin was born May 3, 1938 in Shelby, MI.

and graduated from Shelby High School in 1957.

This devoted husband, loving father, and doting grandfather bravely served his country for 20 years in the United States Air Force as a jet engine mechanic and NCO from 1961 to 1981.

When he retired from active duty, Marv decided to focus his artistic drive and tinkering skills into becoming a jeweler.

The family moved from California to Quincy, IL so that he could study horology at Gem City College.

His forte was watches and clocks.

He earned his certification and began his second career in Roosevelt, UT at Sather’s Jewelry in 1984.

His wanderlust not satisfied, Marvin felt the draw of the grand mountains and pines of the Pacific Northwest and made the move to blooming Spokane, WA in 1990.

He plied his trade at Jewelry by Michaels Inc. until his full retirement in 2001.

Despite retirement, Marvin’s fingers were never idle as he took up beading to augment his crochet and knitting creations.
Marvin was also an avid outdoorsman who was passionate about communing with nature and emulating the Native American ethos of man’s delicate balancing act with the world around him.

His rendezvous friends would probably say that Marv, a.k.a.

‘Laughing Otter’, was born a century later than his spirit.

His famous bear hugs and infectious laughter built instant friendships that would last a lifetime.

He was a unique individual who touched many hearts and spread joy with reckless abandon.

He will be greatly missed.
Marvin’s treasured time was well spent dedicating energy to the following organizations dear to his heart: Boy Scouts of America, Order of the Arrow, Spokane Bead Society, Coeur d’Alene Muzzle Loaders, Pilgrim Lutheran Church of Spokane, Square Dancing, Pacers Motorcycle Club of Travis AFB, CA, Christ Lutheran Church of Quincy, IL and Camp Lutherhaven of Coeur d’Alene.
Marvin’s surviving family include: his faithful wife of 47 years, Helene Schmuck; son, Randy Dean of Florida; son, Alan Schmuck of Quincy, IL and his wife Amy and their children Colleen and Connor; son, Eric Schmuck of Richlands, NC and his wife Catherine and their children Madeline and Abigail; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews.

We gratefully include in his survivors list all the wonderful people who became his surrogate family, no matter where he chose to make his home.

Marvin was preceded in death by our ever present Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.

By His sacrifice and God’s grace, we unworthy sinners are cleansed and made whole again so that we may be joyously welcomed to dwell with Him and the Holy Spirit in the Father’s house forever and ever.
Memorial Service will be at 1:00 pm on Sunday, June 3, 2012 at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 2733 W. Northwest Blvd.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Spokane Hospice House, PO Box 2215, Spokane, WA 99210, or to Pilgrim Lutheran Church.

Interment will be planned at a later date in Quincy, IL.
Arrangements entrusted to HAZEN & JAEGER FUNERAL HOME, 1306 N .

Monroe St. Your memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.hazenjaeger.net.