Marvin Hoehn

Marvin Martin Hoehn was a big-hearted man with a passion for helping people. His years of service to the development of medicines, his extensive community involvement, and his dedication to his family spoke volumes about his caring nature. Sociable and generous, he did what he could to make people feel comfortable and to help them through challenges they faced. Most of all, he was a man who put his family first, a devoted husband and father who freely let his dear ones know how special they were to him. Marvin was born on May 4, 1920, taking his first breath in his own home in Brackett, Wisconsin. His parents, Herman and Olga (Moldenhauer) Hoehn, were of German descent, and they spoke German in their home. The Hoehns were dairy farmers and raised what they needed right on their own farm. Marvin and his older brother Harvey learned how to work hard, and Marvin's main job was to haul milk to the dairy. Times were tough, especially during the 1930s when the whole nation, and in fact the world, was suffering through the Great Depression. Marvin learned how to make do with what he had and to appreciate the teamwork that family provided. There was always family close by, and the boys grew up with aunts, uncles, and cousins, creating a sense of community and interdependence that Marvin would eventually develop with his own children and grandchildren.Marvin's allergies kept him from being able to work out in the fields and a career as a farmer was not likely. As a result, after his graduation from Eau Claire High School, his family sent him off to college at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. He had always been interested in the sciences, and decided to pursue a major in Science. During his senior year, two major life events changed the course of Marvin's life. One was a very serious farming accident that very well could have killed him. Amazingly, he lived to tell about it and the experience confirmed his sense of optimism and determination. The other was his introduction to a young lady named Helen Hedegaard. Helen was a sophomore, and it didn't take long for the two of them to realize that they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. Helen, in fact, knew immediately, declaring after their first date that he was the man for her. His kindness and concern for others, and especially the way he cared for his mother, showed her that he was a keeper. And she did keep him - for sixty-one years. The United States entered World War II in December of 1941, and after Marvin graduated from college the following spring, he joined the Army Air Corps and served stateside for a time. Helen stayed in school, graduating and then working as a teacher. Two days after receiving his first lieutenant bars, Marvin married Helen in Janesville, Wisconsin, on February 29, 1944. He served as a meteorologist and later as an air traffic controller in New York City. He and Helen had a one-room apartment that was sweltering in the summer, but they didn't stay there long. Marvin received notice that he was to fly to California, on to Hawaii, and then to the Pacific Theatre. On their first anniversary, the young couple exchanged tearful goodbyes, and Marvin was sent to China and Japan to fight for his country. Marvin and his family were blessed by the fact that he returned home safely from the war, unlike so many comrades. He decided to go back to school and in 1949 earned a Masters degree in Microbiology from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. At the time, Eli Lilly & Co. was recruiting at the college, looking for outstanding students, and Marvin was one of their selections. He took a job with Lilly, and as a result, the family moved to Indianapolis. Marvin did not disappoint his employer. He worked in research for antibiotics, and his curiosity, skill, and persistence led to great success, including being listed as co-inventor on fifty-nine patents and inclusion in the Who's Who in American Men in Science, Society for Microbiology. In 1984, Marvin retired from Eli Lilly as a senior research scientist after thirty-five years. Marvin and Helen raised three children together, and William, Elizabeth, and Theodore were immeasurably precious to him. He supported their endeavors and cheered them on, whether it was their musical activities or their involvement in Little League. He taught them all how to drive and to parallel park, no easy feat, to be sure. Marvin and Helen also had two foster children taken in through Lutheran Child and Family Services, an organization that remained very dear to Marvin and the family. He was grateful that he and Helen were able to send all three children to college, and they all knew he was proud of their accomplishments. As the family grew, so did Marvin's pleasure and pride. He took pictures of the clan around the dining room table every holiday, relishing the time together. Each of his grandchildren held a special place in his heart.Marvin believed in the importance of community service, and much of his time after retirement was devoted to serving others. He donated countless hours of volunteer service to Conner Prairie, an open-air history museum exploring life in America in the 1800s. Marvin worked in the collection department, logging and tracking artifacts for about twenty years, and loved every minute of it. As a result of his own interest in painting, he and Helen volunteered with the Hoosier Salon, as well, a gallery promoting Indiana artists and their works. Serving in church was also an important part of Marvin's life. He was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church for fifty years and most recently joined King of Glory Lutheran Church. He served as the head of ushers, and participated on the church council, the cemetery board, the financial committee, and the endowment fund. Marvin and Helen lived on two acres, one of which was a tree nursery. Marvin loved to spend time with his trees, relaxing and exercising his creativity and tenderness. His favorite place to be, however, was anyplace where Helen was. Although they had different interests, they complimented each other beautifully and enjoyed every moment together. They traveled extensively after Marvin's retirement, visiting Hawaii, Europe, Ireland, and the Greek Isles, to name a few, feeding Marvin's insatiable curiosity. He and Helen were season ticket holders to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and they took dancing lessons together and enjoyed cutting the rug when they went out. Marvin loved Helen, he loved his children, and he loved life. His example of compassion, perseverance, and loyalty will continue to touch their lives for years to come. Marvin died on Sunday, April 24, 2005, at Methodist Hospital after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife, Helen; three children, William T. Hoehn and wife Carol, Elizabeth H. Schwamb, and Theodore S. Hoehn and wife Susan; and three grandchildren, Erin S. Voss, Evan R. Schwamb, and Zola L. Hoehn.Friends and family will gather on Wednesday, April 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Leppert Life Story Funeral Home, Nora Chapel. Funeral services will begin at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 28, in King of Glory Lutheran Church, Carmel. You are invited to visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a personal memory or make a memorial contribution, in lieu of flowers, to Lutheran Child and Family Services, 1525 North Ritter Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46219.