Join us in praying for the family and friends of Marlin Swartzendruber as they remember and celebrate his life and arrival into the arms of Jesus.
VISITATON: Oct. 9 at 11am, Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories
4200 1s Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA
FUNERAL: Oct. 9 at 12pm, Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories with a luncheon to follow in the family center. 4200 1s Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA
LIVESTREAM of the funeral service will start at 12pm on Thursday, Oct. 9. VIEW LIVESTREAM
OBITUARY
Marlin Paul Swartzendruber (89) peacefully entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on October 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Marlin was born February 18, 1936, to Orval and Ella (Gingerich) Swartzendruber on a farm. north of Wellman, IA, during a blizzard. The doctor was blocked by snow covered roads, so He rode on a horse drawn sleigh over the covered fences. Ella died when Marlin was 4 years old. When his older brother D Dale graduated and left home, Marlin became chief cook at 9 years old. Orval woke Marlin up at 5:30 to do chores in the milkhouse and with the livestock. Marlin would then prepare breakfast, clean the kitchen, and walk a quarter mile to school. He would then repeat chores after school and prepare supper. Marlin was taught to drive by his Aunt Esther so by age 12, he often enjoyed driving his grandparents to church. Marlin attended kindergarten through eighth grade in a one room schoolhouse and ninth grade in Parnell, IA. Orval and Marlin moved to a farm south of Homestead where he attended Williamsburg H.S. He played football in his junior and senior years.
After graduation Marlin took a job with John Wetjen as a carpenter in 1954. After five years they went into a partnership. In 1971, Marlin bought out the business, and it became Swartzendruber Lumber and Construction Company. As is fitting for a carpenter, Marlin built his own house in Amana, IA. He started construction on his house in 1957 and worked on it daily before and after work and on Saturdays until completion in 1958.
Marlin married Judy (Metz) at Christ Church Presbyterian in Cedar Rapids in 1960. They recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Marlin served the church by being a deacon, an elder, and a building committee member. Together they raised three daughters and operated the company business until its closing in 2007. In his retirement he started a hobby of woodworking with a turning lathe. He created many beautiful bowls and other creations. He also built four glider swings for his family. Marlin, husband, dad, grandpa, and great grandpa will be remembered for his devotion to God, his love for his family, his quick wit when you least expected it and his unwavering work ethic. “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21)
Marlin is survived by his wife Judy (Metz) Swartzendruber, his three daughters Debra (Daniel) Fick of Coralville, IA, Diane (Brian) Gunderson of Fond du Lac, WI, Dawn (Robert) Newberry of Urbandale, IA, six grandchildren, Allison Bernard, (Kyle) of Iowa City, Benjamin Fick (Mattie) of North Liberty, IA, Andrew Gunderson (Alison) of Fond du Lac, WI, Nathan Gunderson (Amy) of Appleton, WI, Jacob Newberry of Ankeny, IA, Sophie Newberry of Las Vegas, NV, and five great grandchildren, Eleanor and Emma Jo Bernard, Azalia, Ezra, and Zane Gunderson.
He was preceded in death by his parents Orval and Ella (Gingerich) Swartzendruber and his brother D Dale Swartzendruber.
We are thankful for the loving care given to our family by Iowa City Hospice and The Summit of Coralville.
Memorial contributions may be made to Cedar Hills Community Church, 6455 E Avenue NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405, and/or Iowa City Hospice, 1526 Sycamore St, Iowa City, IA 52240.