INDEPENDENCE – On September 13, 1940, Marvin James Lincoln made his debut into the world-kicked out first by his twin sister, Marlene. He was the fourth of eleven children born to Charles W. and Irene L. (Fry) Lincoln. Raised on the family dairy farm north of Dundee, Marvin developed a strong work ethic early in life. Before and after school (which he claimed he walked to uphill both ways, often with snow up to his hips), he could be found doing chores or playing ball in the yard with his siblings and cousins.
He graduated from Dundee High School in 1958 and went on to serve his country as a proud member of the U.S. Army National Guard until 1964.
Marvin had a lifelong passion for farming. He raised hogs until the early 1990s and sold MoorMan's Feed for over a decade, building strong relationships throughout the farming community. Even after stepping away from livestock, he continued crop farming well into his late seventies, officially retiring at the age of 79. The land was in his blood-he loved the rhythm of the seasons and the satisfaction of a good harvest.
Sports were another cornerstone of Marvin's life. He spent decades playing softball and winning tournaments throughout northeast Iowa. At age 55, he hung up his glove and picked up a whistle, beginning a new chapter as a referee for the Iowa High School Athletic Association. He officiated basketball, football, wrestling, volleyball, softball, and baseball with the same passion and integrity that defined him.
Marvin married Linda M. Creek on September 24, 1961. Though they later divorced, their union brought seven children into the world: five sons who passed away in infancy, and two daughters-his pride and joy-Becky (Mike) Foland and Debra (Loren) Weatherington.
He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law; granddaughters Marissa (Matt) Stickfort, Ti Waibel, and Tayt (Alex) Cheatham; grandsons Michael Foland and Dylan Foland; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends who were touched by his humor, strength, and unwavering love of the land and the game.
Marvin is also survived by his siblings: John Lincoln, Marlene Fritz, Linda (Arnie) Kula, Ronnie (Josie) Lincoln, Wendy (Al) Cole, Vicki Gibbs, and Dean Lincoln.
Marvin knew both joy and heartbreak. He carried the loss of his sons quietly but with deep love. Now, he is reunited with them, and his spirit is free.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Irene Lincoln; five infant sons; brothers Jerry "Abe" Lincoln and Larry Lincoln; sister, Sandra Forney; sister-in-law, Maxine Lincoln; and brothers-in-law, Fred Sauerbry, Lowell Fritz, Larry Forney, and Rusty Gibbs.
In lieu of flowers, memorials honoring Marvin's life and legacy may be directed to his daughters, Becky Foland and Debra Weatherington, who will ensure his memory continues to be celebrated with the same love and devotion he gave to all.
Visitation will be held from 4 until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 12, at the Reiff Family Center in Independence. A Funeral service will be held at 10:30 am. on Wednesday, August 13, at the Funeral Home. Burial will be held at the Strawberry Point Cemetery in Strawberry Point, Iowa.
Marvin will be deeply missed - but if you listen closely to the wind in the corn or the cheers from a ball field, you just might hear him say:
"Safe at home."
To leave an online condolence please go to
www.reifffamilycenter.com under obituaries.
Published by Independence Bulletin-Journal on Aug. 9, 2025.