Marvin “Marv” Heemsbergen, 65, passed away on July 19, 2009. He was born in Knoxville, Iowa, Sept. 8, 1943, the sixth of eight children of Evert and Marie Heemsbergen. He grew up in Minnesota, living in Hollandale and Albert Lea and graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1961.
He married Shari Robbins in Albert Lea in 1964 and had two sons, Heath and Mikal. He moved to southern California in 1969 then returned to Minnesota in 1972 to open his own auto body shop in Freeborn. He then moved to Tucson, Ariz. in 1974. In 1983 he married Patti Burch in Tucson and had one son, Derek, and his stepson, Jason.
Marvin was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers Gerrit, Marion and John; sisters-in-law Nadine and Helen; and two nephews. He is survived by Patti (Derek and Jason), Heath and Mikal (Hollee). Also by brothers Bill (Terrie) and Melvin (Marlys) and sisters Dena (Leroy) Larsen and Gert (Cornie) Reitveld; as well as sisters-in-law Dorothy and AnnaLee.
Marvin spent most of his life as an auto body technician. He made many lifelong friends due to his pleasant and kind nature. His spirit was generous and his smile contagious. “Marv” was known throughout Tucson for his knowledge and meticulous workmanship. He enjoyed riding and racing his motorcycles and cars, and he spent countless enjoyable hours at the sand dunes with his family and friends.
With rough hands and a tender heart, he will be greatly missed and forever remembered by all who knew him. Papa we will always love you, your grandchildren Tia, Dane, Sophia and Alexa.
Services will be held at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday at Christ Community Church, 7801 E. Kenyon Drive. All are welcome to join in fellowship after services