Marvin L. Banzhaf

Marvin L. Banzhaf

Nov. 9, 1938 – Oct. 5, 2016

Marvin Louis Banzhaf was born Nov. 9, 1938, in Lincoln, the son of Carl Dietrich and Kathrine Louise (Bauer) Banzhaf, and passed away Oct. 5, 2016, at his home near Seward at the age of 77 years, 10 months and 26 days. Marvin was confirmed April 6, 1952, at St. John Lutheran Church. He was a 1956 graduate of Seward High School. 

Marvin served in the Army National Guard for many years. Marv was united in marriage to Helen Louise Jacobson on July 26, 1975, in Alma Center, Wisconsin. Their marriage was blessed with three children, Sara, Amanda and Theo. Marv’s lifelong vocation was being a farmer and raising cattle on the family farm. In 2003, the Banzhaf family was honored as the Pioneer Farm Family, recognizing a farming tradition of more than 100 years. Marv retired from farming in 2001 when a tornado went through the Seward area and destroyed their home and farm buildings. 

Marv was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Seward. He enjoyed hunting, gardening and sharing produce with friends. He also enjoyed his time at coffee with “the coffee buddies.” 

Preceding Marv in death were his parents, Carl “Dick” and Kathrine Banzhaf.

Survivors cherishing Marv’s memory include his wife, Helen of Seward; children and their spouses, Sara and John Smith of Seward, Amanda and Bob Passow of Hixton, Wisconsin, and Theo Banzhaf and girlfriend, Te’Ara Spears of Omaha; four grandchildren, Mia and Kira Smith and Elyse and Barrett Passow; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Alice Kleist of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Vernon and Ruth Jacobson of Alma Center, Wisconsin, Margie Enerson of Janesville, Wisconsin, Bob and Lori Jacobson of Hudson, Wisconsin, Gary and Barb Jacobson of Humbird, Wisconsin, and Bill and Valerie Jacobson of Humbird, Wisconsin; nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

A funeral service was held Oct. 10, 2016, at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward, with the Rev. Scott Bruick officiating. A graveside service and interment followed at Greenwood Cemetery in Seward. Memorial contributions may be made to the Banzhaf family for future designation.