Marvin E. Thiem Jr. was born on April 9, 1945 in Lincoln, Nebraska to Marvin and Vera (Spargo) Thiem. At the time of Marv’s birth, his father, Marvin Thiem Sr., was serving his country and went missing in action. Marv first met his father on December 20, 1945. Marv was the oldest of 4 boys. His brothers were Richard, John and Daniel. Marv was preceded in death by his parents Marvin Sr. and Vera, his brothers Richard and Daniel, his son-in-law Robert Sturtevant, and his twin great-grandsons Wyatt and Hunter Hidy.
Marvin started working with his father at the age of 14 at his appliance shop, Marv’s Appliance in Yucaipa. Marvin married his first wife, Loretta in 1963, together they had two daughters, Marla and Lori Jo. Loretta passed away in 1965. Marvin then married his beloved Margie on April 2, 1966 - their blended family consisted of Marla, Michael and Lori Jo. In 1968, Marv and Margie completed their family with the addition of Christine.
Marv held his C-20 contractors license. He worked for Grainger, Lockheed Martin, Danielson’s Appliance, Honeywell, Western Air and Refrigeration, and Rodoni-Becker, before buying Knobby’s Heating and Air Conditioning in San Bernardino in 1985, which was renamed T.M.C.I., Inc in 1986.
Marv and Margie were blessed to travel around the world to Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Germany, Tahiti, Scotland, Brazil and many other beautiful places. They shared their love of travel with their children and grandchildren on a family trip to Hawaii. Even after traveling around the world, one of Marv’s favorite places was camping at the beach in their RV.
Marv asked Jesus into his heart in 1963, while attending a revival service with a friend and was baptized shortly thereafter. Marv loved sharing about his personal Savior with all those he contacted. Marv was a loving friend and so very generous, always going out of his way to help others in their time of need.
Marv was involved in Baptist churches for years - beginning in Redlands, before moving to New Mexico. The family returned to Southern California and served in both San Dimas and Rowland Heights, then onto Lamb Blvd Baptist church in Las Vegas and Emmanuel Missionary Baptist in Hayward. Marv started bible studies in his home in Fremont and was a founding member of the Fremont Mission which later organized as a church. The family moved back to Redlands in 1985 and joined the First Missionary Baptist Church again - where he was a faithful member until his death. Marv served as a teacher in the church and wrote many books on Missionary Baptist history. He was ordained as a Deacon on September 21, 1996.
Marv is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years Margie, his children Marla Sturtevant, Lori Breckley (Syd), Michael Thiem (Melissa) and Christine Wright (Kenneth).
Marv’s greatest blessings were his grandchildren - and he always made sure to tell everyone “Blessed is the man who’s quiver is full.” and “If I would have known having grandkids was so much fun, I would have had them first.” He leaves behind 11 beloved grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren who love their Papa so very much.
Marvin also leaves behind his loving brother John Thiem (Esther), many nieces and nephews and a church family who will miss him dearly.
A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, June 20, 2020 at 11 AM at the First Missionary Baptist Church of Redlands. Due to Covid restrictions, seating may be limited. A link to the live feed of the service is here for those who are unable to attend in person. https://youtu.be/FnR9k6ekAbo
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Akes Family Funeral Home, Riverside, California.
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