Marvin Lee Stripling

Marvin was born on January 24, 1940, on a farm in Marshall, Minnesota, and went home to be with his Lord on September 22, 2025, at the age of 85. Marvin was a long-time resident of Vacaville, California, and only recently moved to Caldwell, Idaho.  He was a devoted husband to Brenda G. Stripling for 61 years; a loving father to Corrina and her husband, Charles Wiechmann, and Renate (Renee) and her husband, Brian Chevalier; and grandfather of Rachel Chevalier.  Marvin is survived by his wife, Brenda; daughters, Corrina (husband, Charles Wiechmann) and Renate (husband, Brian Chevalier); granddaughter, Rachel Chevalier; brother, Carl Stripling; sisters, Sharon Lane (husband, Larry) and Connie Kiger (husband, Ken); nieces: Lariann, Amanda, and Samantha; nephews: Larry Jr., Jackson, Andrew, and Scott; and many great nieces and nephews. Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, Laurance and Verna Stripling; sister, Helen Stripling; sister-in-law, Mary Stripling; nephew, Allan Stripling; and niece, Denise Plumber.

Marvin’s first year of life was very unconventional.  He traveled around with his parents with a carnival.  His father ran a children’s ride.  He would say that when his parents were busy with work, other carnival staff would carry him around feeding him ice cream.  He said that that was how ice cream became his favorite dessert. However, carnival life only lasted the summer. Then they went back to the farm. After a few years his father moved the family to Estherville, Iowa, where he spent the rest of his growing up years. 

During his teen years, he developed a passion for airplanes and flying.  While still a teenager, he learned to fly and obtained his private pilot’s license.  Once he graduated high school, he joined the United States Air Force.  Though he didn’t have the chance to be a pilot for the Air Force due to his eyes, he had the opportunity to work on them in the field of Avionics. He loved being around the planes and working on them and he was honored to be a part of the Air Force.  He spent seven years on Active Duty.  During that time, Marvin was sent to England where he met and married the love of his life, Brenda.  He used to tell everyone that when he joined the Air Force, they fed him, clothed him, took care of all his medical needs, and trained him for a job and then gave him one and all that time they paid him.  Then they gave him an opportunity to go overseas to England and while he was there, they issued him a wife.  He would always get a laugh.

Upon leaving England, the Air Force sent him to Travis AFB in California where he lived until 2024.  After his seven years in the Air Force, he got out but didn’t leave it behind. He left active duty on Friday and started civil service on Monday. He worked for Civil Service at Travis AFB for 30 years and was able to retire at the age of 55.  But he wasn’t finished working yet.  Marvin worked for a Christian Group called Laborer’s for Christ.  With this group, he and Brenda went to several areas of the United States to assist in Church building projects. They loved it!  It gave them an opportunity to see the country, make lasting friendships, but most important, an opportunity to serve the Lord. 

Marvin wasn’t always working.  To him, family was most important.  He made sure that the family had the opportunity to go to both England and Iowa to see family and friends. He made it a priority in vacation plans.  However, he also included one of his other passions during these trips. He loved history. There wasn’t a trip taken that didn’t include some castle or manor house, historical site, or museum. Going through a museum, it was always a running joke as to who would come out last - Corrina or Marvin. 

When he wasn’t traveling with the family, he was working on and enjoying his other passion: sailing.

Marvin loved his sailboats. During the 1970s, he built a sailboat, and the family had many enjoyable outings in it.

Marvin, lovingly known as Papa, lived a life filled with Love and Sacrifice for his family and his Lord.  He was always willing to give of himself, helping where needed, whether it be at Church or family gatherings, or just around the house.  You could always count on him to be there to provide what was needed, whether financially or giving advice, guidance, and wisdom. We were all recipients of his wisdom and generosity at some point in our life.  Marvin will be greatly missed here on earth in our lives, but we rejoice that we will be reunited again in heaven.

A graveside service with military honors will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 1:30 pm at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Caldwell, Idaho. Services are under the direction of Flahiff Funeral Chapel, Caldwell. (208) 459-0833