Marvin Keil

Marvin Dean Keil, 87, of Colby, died Thursday, January 18, 2018 at Hays Medical Center. He was born February 13, 1930, in Russell, KS, to John and Anna Elizabeth (Krug) Keil.

Marvin was baptized in the faith and a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church. He attended Russell Schools and graduated high school in 1948. He then joined the United States Air Force serving from 1950-1954 as a communications specialist. Marvin served in Germany, England and Norway, where he met the love of his life, Else Jofrid Bertelsen. They were married on June 5, 1954, at St. Petri Lutheran Church in Stavanger, Norway and have celebrated 63 years of marriage. Upon discharge, the couple moved to Russell, where Marvin became a mechanic. He worked for Oehlerts in Hays and then in March of 1957, became a resident service man for Martin Tractor in Concordia and Stockton. He then worked as the service manager of the Colby Martin Tractor and eventually moved up to branch manager.

Marvin became an avid golfer starting in his 40’s and then throughout his life, playing or winning various tournaments in the area. He was proud of getting a hole in one on #8 of Colby’s course and winning a father/son tournament with his son, Martin. He loved sports, especially Colby football and basketball and KU basketball. His TV was always on a sports channel. Marvin also enjoyed coaching his son’s baseball team, winning 1st place 8 of the 11 years he coached. There was nothing that Marvin couldn’t fix. He was always busy with projects and gardening. His other hobbies included woodworking and making furniture for family members. He also made many wood frames to compliment Else’s art and painting projects. He also enjoyed traveling the US. The highlight of his year was always the family’s summer trips with everyone piled in the car. Marvin and Else continued these trips after retirement and probably drove every road in Colorado.

Marvin was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Larry Keil and Melvin Keil; and son-in-laws, Jim Spain and Don O’Briant.

He is survived by his wife, Else, of the home. Children: Susan Spain (Scott Stone), Manhattan, KS; Sharon O’Briant, Brandon, MS; Mary (Tom) Shoaff, Colby, KS; and Martin (Angie) Keil, Brandon, MS. Siblings: Doris Maier, Hays, KS and Dean (Ruth) Keil, Russell, KS; sister-in-law, Carolyn Keil, Lincoln, NE; ten grandchildren: Terrence (Melissa) Lawver, Denver, CO; Janiece (John) Graham, Dallas, TX; Reed (Emily) Shoaff, Dover AK; Lauren Shoaff (fiancé, Lang Li), Colby, KS; James (Danielle) Spain, Ottawa, KS; Kimberly Spain, Manhattan, KS; Claire Keil and Madison Keil, Brandon, MS; Steven (Lisa) Spain, Larned, KS; and Jeff Spain (Richie Mize), Tulsa, OK. Fourteen great grandchildren: Phineas, Abraham, Philippa and Penelope Shoaff; Brayden and Mackenzie Lawver; Alec, Aubrey and Jackson Graham; Allisa and Natalie Spain; Shel and Maryah Taylor; and Aaron Spain and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m. Monday, January 22, 2018, at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby. Funeral Service is 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 23, 2018, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Colby, with burial to follow in Beulah Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the church or Genesis Food Bank, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For condolences or information visit www.baalmannmortuary.com