Marlin Glen DeBoer

Marlin Glen DeBoer

A Life Rooted in Faith, Family, and Music Marlin was born on July 12, 1929, in Panama, Nebraska, to Garrett and Johanna Marie DeBoer. He grew up in the Dutch Reformed tradition, surrounded by hard work and agriculture. Sundays offered a special change of pace as the family gathered after church to sing hymns and share a home baked cookie. Those gatherings nurtured Marlin’s lifelong love of music. He learned to harmonize and “take that high note” whenever his Aunt Bessie called for it. He shared his voice through wedding and funeral solos and sang with the Sarpy Serenaders, Grand Lodge Singers, and Faith Presbyterian Church Choir. For Marlin, music was both prayer and entertainment. Whether singing in a choir, performing a solo, playing his harmonica, or whistling around the house, he found joy in making music. He continued singing even in his sleep during his final hours, a fitting reflection of music’s place in his life.

A Wonderful Sense of Humor

Marlin’s corny puns and one-liners remained with him to the very end. When a nurse brought him an antibiotic for pneumonia, he asked for an “uncle-biotic” instead. During a FaceTime call with his grandchildren, he told them they looked a little “phone-ey.” Making someone smile became Marlin’s personal mission. It gave him a reason to get out of bed and brightened the lives around him. Some days he shared a joke; other days he sang a song or played his harmonica. He understood the value of a smile and the lasting difference a little laughter could make.

A Devoted Husband, Father, and Family Man Marlin married Dottie June Henderson on May 13, 1949, and the couple shared 74 years together. Their life was built on love and commitment to family. In 1960, they became homeowners as one of the founding families of La Vista. They were active members of the community and lived in LaVista for the next 56 years before moving to senior living at Country Estates in Papillion. Dottie was laid to rest in 2023 in her wedding gown, still wearing her wedding ring—a tribute to their enduring love. Together, they raised four children: Ken, Linda, John, and Cheryl, and their family grew across four generations. Marlin took great pride in each one, telling others he had “the best family in the world.”

A Career Built on Skill and Service

Marlin began his career in the 1950s repairing office equipment, including adding machines, typewriters, mimeographs, and dictaphones. As technology evolved, he learned to repair newer equipment - precursors to the electronic devices that fascinated him later in life. This technology enriched his world, even though it mystified him. He stayed connected to loved ones through conversations, photos, music and videos with a little help navigating the technology. “Is that ALL on that one little machine? Man! That’s something!!” Marlin remarked. His career reflected the qualities that shaped his life: dedication, practical skill, and hard work. Though he may not have accumulated plaques or trophies, Marlin earned something more meaningful—the affection and gratitude of those whose lives he touched.

Family

Marlin was preceded in death by his parents, Garrett and Johanna Marie DeBoer; his wife, Dottie June DeBoer; his brothers, Donald (Wilma) DeBoer and Norman DeBoer; and his sisters, Zella (Leon) Glenn and Nina (Doug) Showalter; mother-in-law, Lottie May (Albert) Henderson; sisters-in-law, Rosa Lee (Roy) Runge, Wilma Drake, brother-in-law, John Henderson. He is survived by his four children, Ken (Canda) DeBoer, Linda Hayek, John (Gail) DeBoer, and Cheryl (Mark) Kelley; his sister, Mary Ann (Claire) Fredstrom; 84 family members of 4 generations after him, countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Marlin’s legacy lives on in the laughter he inspired, the songs he shared, the children he delighted, and the countless people who felt more loved because they knew him.