Marvin J. Prothe

Marvin J. Prothe, 88, passed from this earth to be with his heavenly father on Jan. 28, 2016. He was born on Oct. 11, 1927 to Joseph and Margaret Kettler Prothe. He lived on the family farm near Block for much of his childhood, and graduated from Paola High School with the class of 1945. He met Doris Karstetter at a dance at the Playmart. The two were married on July 30, 1950 and enjoyed over 50 happy years together and were blessed with 3 children. Marvin served our country in the Army Air Corps until he was honorably discharged to help his aging parents. He worked for CW Noffsinger as a draftsman for many years. He then worked for Carruthers Construction. He opened his own steel manufacturing business, Kansas Iron Works, in the west end of Paola. In his retirement years, he worked as a bus driver for handicapped students, caring for each one as if they were his grandchildren. He was also campground host at Lake Miola, as well as Hillsdale Lake, where he enjoyed visiting with each camper and making new friends. He loved the RV lifestyle, and returned to Mission TX each year to reconnect with his snowbird friends. He also loved playing cards and pool, and was known to beat people half his age at both. Most importantly, Marvin loved his Lord and his family. He was an active church member at First Lutheran most of his life, having helped women get the right to vote on church matters, helping with several large construction projects, serving on boards and contributing generously to various ministries. In conjunction with the church, he sponsored a Vietnamese refugee family, bringing them to Paola, providing them with a home, job and car. Marvin loved his wife and each of his children with an intense and unconditional love that will be forever in their hearts. He encouraged each of their endeavors, gave them words of comfort during their sorrows, and celebrated each of their victories. He was a man of much determination and a strong faith. It was his faith in God that got him through the difficult times in life, such as the loss of a still-born child, his wife"s diagnosis of cancer, the bankruptcy of his business, and the final week of his life. He knew that God was always with him, upholding and strengthening him. His favorite verses were John 3:16 and Psalm 23. He spoke often of his faith, encouraging others to come to the Lord. He was dearly loved and will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his three children, Steve Prothe of Paola; David Prothe of Mound City; and Sarah Bergman (Ron) of Paola; 9 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Lutheran Church. To share a memory of Marvin or leave a special condolence message for his family, please click the "Share Memories" tab. First Lutheran Church Service: Monday, February 01, 2016 at 11:00 AM Visitation: Monday, February 01, 2016 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM