Marvin Foote

Marvin F. Foote, “Buzz”, was a responsible, single-minded person who was committed to making life good for those who depended on him. He was an excellent provider and planner, making sure his family was secure. Though he was opinionated and set in his ways, he was also open to others and could talk to anybody. He could be moody and sarcastic, but those who understood him hung in there with him. If at times life caused Marvin to withdraw, it was still apparent to those around him that he truly had a tender heart.

Marvin’s story began in Grand Rapids, Michigan at a time when families were struggling to survive the Great Depression, an event that led Americans to live frugally and sacrificially. He was born January 6, 1931, the tenth of Leon A. and Eva Mae (Allen) Foote’s eleven children. A further hardship on the family came when Marv was 14 years old. His mother died, and from that time on, he developed a fierce sense of independence.

After graduating from Godwin Heights High School, Marv, often called "Buzz," enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a medic during the Korean Conflict. The patriotism he exhibited during his military service endured throughout his lifetime, and seldom did a day go by that an American flag wasn’t flying in Marv’s yard.

Like many GIs coming home from war, Marv returned to his sweetheart. He and Shirley Flanders had met at a skating rink and then dated before he entered the service, so Marv’s homecoming allowed their relationship to flourish. They married in 1956 and became a family of three when their daughter Maggie was born.

As a strong provider for his family, Marv worked hard at every job he pursued. Among his placements were Rose Patch Lable and Medical Arts Pharmacy, and he worked in his own fix-it business, doing a lot of painting and handyman work. As the saying goes: “He was a jack of all trades,” but he defied the usual conclusion of that phrase (“and master of none”). Buzz mastered most every task he set his hand to, whether on the job or tinkering around the house.

With Marv’s many skills came a compulsion for organization. He was set on having jobs done the right way, that is, his way, or someone was sure to hear about it. Every item in the house had just one right spot to be stored, that is, the place Marv put it. From tools in the garage to silverware in the drawer, everything was in order.

Marv also kept meticulous financial records and could account for every penny he spent. He was wise about money and particular about where he kept it. Over the years, he saved his money well and trusted just one bank associate to wait on him. In fact, Buzz was willing to go to whatever branch she was working in order to transact his business.

Not one to sit still, Buzz occasionally took it easy by watching detective shows or courtroom dramas on television. He liked camping in his pop-up trailer–often setting up camp at Wilderness State Park—and in his later years, he enjoyed gardening. His family enjoyed his seasonal pies, and he was an avid walker, walking five miles a day.

In 1995, Marv’s wife Shirley passed away, and he was on his own for a few years. Then he met Evelyn at a senior dance at the West Side Complex. The two enjoyed each other’s company and joining in activities together, such as potlucks with friends and walking. They married on October 11, 2003 and split their time living in Florida for five months in winter and coming home to Michigan.

Whether down south or up north, Buzz kept active swimming, bike riding or walking several miles a day. He was always fit until November of 2010, when he was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia. Unfortunately, he did not respond to treatments, and his symptoms advanced slowly until June, when his health deteriorated rapidly. He died July 10, 2011 at the age of 80.

Living a fairly private life that was dedicated to providing for his family, Marv will be remembered as a hard working man, loyal husband and caring father.

Mr. Marvin “Buzz” Foote, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, was preceded in death by his first wife, Shirley. Marv is survived by his second wife, Evelyn; his daughter Maggie Thompson; grandson, Cameron J. Thompson; stepdaughters Linda Clapp and Cindy Velthouse; brother, Bernard (Dorothy) Foote; sister, Jackie (Don) Glass; and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 13 at 12 noon at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes – Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE where friends may visit with his family from 11 AM until the time of the service. For those who wish, memorial contributions to Faith Hospice are appreciated. To read more about his life, to share a memory or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.lifestorynet.com