Marvin Eugene Simpson

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Marvin Eugene Simpson, Friday, April 4th, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. A visitation will be held for Marvin on Friday, April 11th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Ankeny Funeral Home & Crematory, followed by his service at 4:30 p.m.

Marvin was born February 21st, 1938, to Melbourne and Merna Simpson in Whittemore, Iowa. He was raised on his family’s generational farm in Northern Iowa and worked there during his early years. Marvin attended Algona High School and, in 1955, at the age of 17, he joined the Army, serving our country for four years. During his military service, he was stationed in Germany and contributed to efforts during the Cold War. He was a Rifle Sharpshooter, Submachine Gun Marksman, and tank operator in the 65th Field Artillery Regiment and Brigade.

After completing his military service, Marvin married the love of his life, Shirley Ann Simpson (Spilde), on September 19th, 1959, in Decorah, Iowa. They shared 66 wonderful years of marriage and raised their three children. Family was always of utmost importance to Marvin.

Throughout his lifetime, Marvin worked primarily in the flooring division at Younkers. After retiring from there, he discovered that retirement was not for him and joined the operations and maintenance division for the Ankeny Community School District.

During his 60 years in Ankeny, Marvin developed a passion for woodworking, spending time in his shop crafting grandfather clocks, cabinets, and refinishing antiques. He was a creative, humble, and generous man who loved to keep busy.

Summers were spent with fond memories of boating, fishing, and spending time with family at a resort at Norway Lake in Minnesota and going to Spirit Lake fishing with his mom.

One of Marvin’s favorite events was the annual Nordic Fest festival in Decorah, Iowa, where he enjoyed celebrating with the Spilde clan and dancing in the streets. He always made it a point to ensure everyone was having a good time.

After retirement, Marvin treasured his mornings spent with friends over coffee and enjoyed target shooting with family and friends.

Above all, he deeply loved his wife and family. Marvin and Shirley were inseparable, spending many winters together in Fort Myers, Florida, where they enjoyed the warm weather.

Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, Melbourne and Merna Simpson, and his sister, Patricia (Gregson) Beaulieu.

He will be greatly missed by his wife, Shirley Ann Simpson; sister Marilyn Loebach; his children, Michael Simpson, David Simpson, and Lori Sykes (Lee); five grandchildren, Travis Simpson (Katie), Chase Simpson, Paige Durian (Blake), Grant Simpson, and Trenton Owens; as well as five great-grandchildren, Wyatt Durian, Isaac Durian, Aaron Durian, Leroy Ownes, and Juniper Simpson.