Marvin G. Moerer

Marvin Gustav Moerer was born August 1, 1935, in Graceville, MN to Richard E. Moerer and Ida Anna Christian (Bohling) Moerer. He died on August 24, 2011 in rural Jefferson County.

Marvin moved to Nemaha County, Nebraska when he was 14 years old, and completed the 8th grade in a country school. Because of his strength and maturity, he worked for farmers in the area, then for Nebraska City, digging ditches for water lines. He got his start in the tire business by working in Auburn at a tire repair shop. Then the opportunity came for him to own his own shop, the Fairbury OK Tire Store, and he moved to Fairbury on January 1, 1960. He also owned the Hebron OK Tire store for several years, and did on-site tire repair for farmers and heavy equipment operators, often being called out during the night.

Marvin was confirmed in 1949 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Auburn by Rev. Martin Dryer. He was married to Vivian Lee Hopkins on October 20, 1963 at American Lutheran Church in Fairbury by Rev. Dale Deames.. Five children were born to this union: Gary Richard (born at rest), Russell James, Rhonda Lee, Carissa Kay, and Alyssa ___. A tragic car accident took the lives of Vivian and Alyssa on August 8, 1986. Marvin married Eunice (Strabel) Stuart on May 31, 1987, and gained a stepdaughter, Bethel Ann (Stuart) Holland.

Marvin’s interests included old tractors (he knew the makes and models of most of them), antiques, collectibles, cars and trucks, hunting, and of course, tires. He was active in civic organizations serving as president of the JayCees, Chamber of Commerce member, member of the Elks, served on the school board, president and life member of the Optimist Club, BackPack volunteer of the year, and other organizations. He ran the roller skating rink above C & O Ford for a few years, and flooded an ice skating pond at Crystal Springs and on the creek by E Street. He received the Tree Planter of the Year award in 2002 after preparing the ground for 1400 trees to be planted along a stream, watering them during the following summers because of the drought. He was happiest on his Allis-Chalmers backhoe, with the latest project being removing trees from a windbreak so a garage/shop could be built.
He came from a large family, and helped them with buying cars and tires, and doing repairs. He continued to help his children with those tasks as long as he was able. Because of a heart attack in 2003, his activity was limited, but he spent every day doing something for someone. He was a true example of unconditional kindness and love shown to family, friends, and anyone in need.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Vivian, daughter Alyssa, brother Raymond (Lorna) Moerer, sister Judy Moerer, and niece/godchild Juliann Gauchat. He is survived by his wife, Eunice, son Russell of Grand Island; daughters Rhonda (David) Medley of Lincoln, Carissa (Daniel) Lufkin of Fairbury, and stepdaughter Bethel (Shaf) Holland of Russell, KS; grandchildren Christian and Charly Lufkin, step-granddaughters Kayla Lufkin and Elsie Holland, 2 step-grandsons, 1 step-great-grandson; brother Roger Moerer of Auburn; sisters Elaine Schardt of Carleton; and Margaret (Roger) Simmons of Lincoln; Norma (Luther) Werth, Dorothy (Terry) Laubsch, and Lucy Moerer, of Michigan; many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews, longtime friend John Howell of Fairbury, other relatives and many friends.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. at the American Lutheran Church in Fairbury. The family will greet friends on Friday from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home.