Marvin Dean Gardner, Sr.

It is with heavy yet grateful hearts we announce the passing of our father, Marvin Dean Gardner. Marvin passed away in Topeka, Kansas on December 3, 2013. Marvin was a lifelong Topekan, born on November 30, 1934 to Marvin E. "Cotton" and Beulah Carlisle Gardner. He attended East Topeka Junior High and graduated from Topeka High School in 1952. Marvin thoroughly enjoyed seeing his high school classmates at their 60th class reunion last October. Following high school, Marvin honorably served his country in the United States Marine Corp. In 1957 Marvin married the love of his life, Irene Schiefelbein. Marvin often told the story of meeting Irene for the first time and how "She just took my breath away!" They enjoyed nearly 55 years of marriage. Irene passed away January 4, 2012. During Marvin's teenage years he installed floor covering with his father's company, Topeka Floor Covering. He then worked as a union floor layer with McCormick Rug Company and in 1959 Marvin and Irene founded Gardner Floor Covering. Marvin received numerous awards and recognitions for his service to his community and the floor covering industry. In 1994, Gardner Floor Covering was selected as the Small Business of the Year by the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce. Marvin was inducted into the Heart of America Floor Covering Hall of Fame and was also awarded the Kenneth Murrow Award by the Topeka Home Builders Association for his commitment to furthering the American dream of home ownership and his contributions to the advancement of the housing industry. He served on several national flooring advisory boards including the Mannington Mills Premiere Council and the Milliken Place Company. Marvin volunteered much of his time and talent to numerous community organizations. He coached his son's Special Olympics basketball team and served on the board of directors for Sheltered Living, North Topeka YWCA and the Better Business Bureau. Marvin was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagle's, Cosmopolitan Club, Shawnee Country Club, Moose Lodge, American Legion, Floor Layers Union Local 1179, Topeka Home Builders Association, Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce, the Knights of Columbus St. Matthew Council, the 4th Degree James W. Gibbons Assembly of the Knights of Columbus, and St. Matthew Catholic Church where he served in numerous capacities over the years. Marvin genuinely cared for everyone, especially the underdogs, those down on their luck. He would lend a helping hand by employing those in need of work, sometimes even creating jobs for them. He always gave day laborers extra cash because he knew they were struggling to find work and take care of their families. It was not unusual for Marvin to invite people in need or without family to holiday gatherings. His generosity and compassion was immense and reflected his great giving spirit. Marvin enjoyed life. He had a great sense of humor, often playing practical jokes on his friends and family. Marvin's sense of adventure led him to travel the world with his wife and family. He enjoyed gambling and spontaneous trips to Las Vegas where he once played blackjack with Diana Ross. Marvin enjoyed fishing and golf and was proud of his hole-in-one at Lake Shawnee. Marvin and his brother Denny played in a senior pro-am tournament with Sam Snead and Charles Sifford. After the round Mr. Sifford told Marvin he needed to stick with selling carpet. He was a "Winter Texan" and enjoyed several years with his wife and son at the Riverbend Country Club in Brownsville, Texas on what they called "Senior Spring Break." Marvin was also a bowler and was inducted into the Topeka Bowlers Hall of Fame for his support and contributions to the sport, including sponsorship of youth leagues and the Gardner Classic League and annual tournament in conjunction with Gage Bowl. Marvin also appreciated performing arts, music and literature which he passed along to his children. "To Kill a Mockingbird" was a family favorite novel and movie, mostly because Marvin epitomized Atticus Finch. He was a man of great integrity, honesty and compassion. We often referred to him as "Our Atticus" which he would humbly deny being such a great character. We knew better. Dad was our Atticus and so much more. He instilled in his children the values of respect, caring for the less fortunate and love of family. Dad was proud of his accomplishments but his family meant more to him than life itself. He took care of many family members through teaching them the floor covering trade and hiring them in his business. He loved family gatherings, especially hosting the Gardner Labor Day get together. Marvin and Irene loved entertaining and had countless parties with their family and friends. The love of friends and family was Marvin's main priority. Marvin is survived by his son, Marvin Gardner, Jr., daughter Renee Gardner, daughter Tracy Gardner and her fiancée Tom Browne. He also leaves behind his beloved German Shepherd, Heidi who continues to petrify everyone she meets. Other survivors include his sister Janice Fields (Terry), sisters-in-law Vina Leeth (Larry), Shirley Gardner, Mary Warner, Dorothy Fields, brothers-in-law George Schiefelbein, Jim Sales, Walter Pfeiffer, Glen Montgomery and a host of cherished cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to his loving wife, Marvin was preceded in death by his daughter Mandy (1993), son-in-law Larry Stephens (2009), his brothers Denny (1992) and Bob (2010). Also preceding him were his brothers-in-law, Edward Schiefelbein, Sylvester Schiefelbein, Eugene Schiefelbein, Joe Schiefelbein, Adam Artzer and sisters-in-law, Virginia Schiefelbein, Sophie Schiefelbein, Amelia Summers, Mary Artzer, Leona Montgomery, Anne Sales and Helen Pfeiffer. Marvin will lie in state after 4:00 p.m. Thursday at St. Matthew Catholic Church where the family will receive friends from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. with a 3rd and 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Rosary and Chalice Ceremony at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. Friday at the church. Interment with military honors will follow the mass at Topeka Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to the Mandy Gardner Memorial Scholarship Fund, St. Matthew Catholic Church, TARC, Sister Corita's Sandwich Ministry or to a charity of the giver's choice sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603. Fond Memories and condolences may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.