Marvin Kannel, age 88 of Elmwood, Wisconsin passed away at home on Saturday, September 23, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.
Marvin was born on November 29, 1934, to Earl and Rosella Kannel in Plum City, Wisconsin. As the eldest of eight siblings, he learned the values of responsibility and hard work early in life while growing up on the family dairy farm in Plum City. He attended St. John’s Catholic School and graduated from Plum City High School in 1952.
On October 5, 1954, Marvin married the love of his life, Dell Jane Wakefield, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Plum City. Together, they settled on a dairy farm in El Paso Township, where they raised their nine children. After years of hard work, they retired and moved to Elmwood where they have lived for the past 18 years.
Marvin’s faith and dedication were evident in his membership in the Knights of Columbus and a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elmwood. For a decade, he and Dell Jane served as custodians of the church, embodying their commitment to their faith and community. Marvin had a gift for conversation, brightening the lives of all he met with his friendly demeanor. He cherished moments spent playing cards with friends and neighbors, and his love for fishing was unwavering, regardless of the size of the catch. A true sports enthusiast, he cheered passionately for Minnesota teams and relished any sporting event that came his way. In his later years, he found joy in crafting bird feeders for family and friends and creating rosaries to aid those in need.
Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, sister Virginia and brother-in-law Bill Webb, brothers Donald, Steven, and Kenneth and his wife Constance, as well as grandson Jonathan Nellessen and great-grandsons Channing, Beau, and Chase Kragnes, in-laws: Dorothy and Walter Hofacker, Bernice and Jim Wik, Darrel Wakefield, Larry Wakefield, and Vern and Dorothy Wakefield.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Dell Jane, and their nine children: Bob (Nancy) Kannel, Patti (Rick) Hayden, Ron (Caroline) Kannel, Jean (Pete) Nellessen, Debbie (Dave) Baier, Donna Bechel, Cherie (Mark) Hotter, Roger (Nancy) Kannel, and Jim (Jill) Kannel. Marvin’s legacy continues through his 30 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, and his siblings Edward (Marge) Kannel, David (Phyllis) Kannel , and Mary Ellen (Dale) Nevalainen. He is also remembered by sister-in-law Jean Kannel, in-laws Sandy (Larry) VeVang, Glen (Sharon) Wakefield, Michael (Dianne) Wakefield, Myrna Wakefield, and Hannalore Wakefield.
Pallbearers were Tony Kannel, Jason Kannel, Justin Kerg, Riley Kannel, Joe Kannel, Josh Nellessen, Bryan Bechel.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elmwood. Visitation took place from 9:30 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. at the church prior to the service, followed by a luncheon.
Burial was in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Spring Valley, WI. The caring team at Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley, has handled the funeral arrangements.
