Marvin Tony Van’t Hof was born to Tony and Maggie (Van Eck) Van’t Hof on September 23, 1937. Marv was baptized and made profession of faith at the Chandler Reformed Church. He grew up near Chandler, Minnesota, sharing daily chores with his parents. He milked cows, pitched and hauled manure, and fixed fences. He had many memories of digging graves with his dad at the Chandler cemetery.
After graduating from Chandler High School in 1955, Marv began working at Campbell Soup in Worthington. He then hauled canned milk into the Edgerton Creamery. In 1967 he purchased his bulk milk route and farm where he raised his family. He spent ten years as co-owner of V&M Locker, where he formed one of his cherished lifelong friendships with Verlyn. After that, he returned to hauling milk with his sons.
As an only child, Marv often reflected on how faithfully God provided for him—especially in giving him the love of his life, Bertha Henrietta Groen, the oldest child in the large family of 15 children. Marv and Bertha were married on March 25, 1958. Her family became his family. They enjoyed countless trips and family gatherings with them.
A longtime member of Leota Community Church, Marv lived out his faith through service. He volunteered in many ways at church, school, and throughout the community. Marv and Bertha opened their home to foster children and no matter how long they stayed, they became part of the family.
Marv’s true “hobby” was visiting. He had many one liners that impacted people, such as “old so soon, smart so late”. So many of his customers became his friends. He loved nothing more than a day of “junking” and was fond of scrapping in his garage. Spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great‑grandchildren brought him so much joy. He treasured attending their sporting events, concerts, graduations, birthday parties and more.
Marv is survived by his wife of 68 years, Bertha (Groen) Van’t Hof, and their four children: Al and Barb Van’t Hof, Beaver Creek, MN, Traci Decker — Madysen, Deegan, Tiffany and Zach Fenceroy — Hadley, Ezekiel, Tommy and Brooke Van’t Hof — Palmer, Baker, Tadd and Carlie Van’t Hof — Blair, Asher, Traeton Van’t Hof, Barb and Rod De Boer, Orange City, IA, Becky and Dan Elgersma — Bailey, Samuel, Jedidiah, Jason and Cassie De Boer — Henry. Kimberly and Rowdy Eisfeld, Hadley, MN. Kristy and Brady Johnson — Sadie, Theo. Haley and Jared Diede, Kasey Bose. Mike and Sara Van’t Hof, Leota, MN,Samantha Van’t Hof, Kyle and Katelyn Van’t Hof — Oaklynn, Devin and Miranda Van’t Hof Cody and Kassie Van’t Hof — Haven, Leo and Trey, Brett Jouwstra, Kye & Schae Jouwstra Meghan and Tyler Hylland.
Marv was preceded in death by his parents; Bertha’s parents- Klaas and Alice Groen; his sisters-in-law, Janet and Vonnie Groen; his brothers-inlaw: Orlan Groen, Bill De Kruif, Case Van Staalduinen, and Howard Kruisselbrink.
He is survived by Bertha’s siblings: JoAnn De Kruif, Harlene Van Staalduinen, Elaine (Le) Tinklenberg, Mavis Kruisselbrink, Linda Groen, Cal (Cheri) Groen, Del (Gwen) Groen, Fenton (Shirley) Groen, Karen (Daryl) De Kam, Keith (Donna) Groen, Warren (Phyl) Groen, and Samona (Kirk) Yentes, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Southwest Minnesota Christian School.
Visitation was held from 2-5 pm Sunday, May 17, at the Leota Community Church, North Campus. Funeral service was held at 10:30 am Monday at the Leota Community Church, North Campus. Burial preceded the funeral.
The Leota Burial Association & Dingmann Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
