Marvin Eugene Hicks, 88, of Guernsey, IA passed away on August 15, 2026 at Brooklyn Community Estates surrounded by family.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 pm - 8:00pm on Friday, August 21, 2026 at Smith Funeral Home in Brooklyn, IA.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am, on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Brooklyn, IA. A luncheon will be provided immediately following the Funeral Mass. Burial will be at Guernsey Cemetery following the luncheon.

Marvin was born on February 18, 1938 to Howard and Margaret (Neitzel) Hicks on the family farm in Guernsey and raised on that same farm. He attended K-12 at Guernsey Schools, where he graduated in1956. Despite his parents having only an eighth grade education, they fully supported him going on to college to further his own education. Marvin attended Iowa State University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Farm Operations.

While attending Iowa State, Marvin met his future wife, Dorothea, at a Valentine’s Day dance at UNI. The couple was united in marriage on June 22, 1963 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ottumwa. Marvin and Dorothea became proud parents to three daughters, Sara, Mary, and Helen. Education was a value they passed down to their daughters who all went on to become doctors.

Following college, Marvin returned to the farm in Guernsey, continuing his family’s legacy. Marvin was a visionary, always looking to implement the latest innovation in farming methods. After discovering the water on his land was not safe for human consumption, Marvin made it his life’s mission to provide safe drinking water to rural Iowa. He was a founding member of the Poweshiek Water Association in 1977 and served on the board for many years, chairman of the board from 1990-2006. He would attend national meetings all around the country, as well as meet with legislators to ensure funding for this cause.

In addition to his work with rural water and farming, Marvin proudly served his country for several years in the army reserves. Marvin also continued his father’s business of selling Archer lubricant oil. He supported the community by serving a term on the Parish council at St. Patrick Catholic Church, and the school board for BGM schools.

Marvin loved spending time with his daughters and their families, traveling to see his grandchildren and attend their activities. He was very proud of his family and was willing to drive hours just to spend time with his loved ones. His favorite phrase was, “I am so blessed!”

Marvin is survived by his daughters Sara Hicks (Mike O’Connell) of Leawood, KS., Mary Carver of Edmond, OK., and Helen Hicks-Wenthold (Paul) of West Lafayette, IN., his five grandchildren, Michael O’Connell of Minneapolis, MN, Marshall Carver (Sarah) of Seattle, WA, Veronica Carver of Madrid, Spain, and Gregory and Joseph Hicks-Wenthold of West Lafayette, IN.

He is preceded by his wife Dorothea, his parents, Howard and Margaret, and many family members.

Memorials may be designated to the Hicks Family Scholarship, mailed in c/o Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.