Marvin G. Middlestadt

Marvin peacefully entered into eternal life in his sleep on Sat, April 18, 2020, in Grand Rapids, Michigan at Sentinel Pointe Assisted Living facility. He was 84 years old.

Marvin put up a good fight but likely succumbed to complications related to heart disease and arthritis. Marvin and his fraternal twin brother Melvin were born above the Lawton post office in a snowstorm. He attended Lawton Elementary School and Marcellus High School. Marvin was an accomplished athlete and lettered in football, basketball, and baseball all 4 years of high school. He played on 7 league championship teams, including the school’s first basketball district championship. He set several school records in basketball and made numerous all-conference and all-area in all 3 sports. One of his many athletic endeavors included pitching a 7-inning no-hitter in which he struck out 19 of 21 batters. Marvin was scouted by the Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs, and St. Louis Cardinals, who offered him a baseball contract upon graduation from high school in 1955. He pursued his undergraduate degree at Albion College where he also played baseball as a pitcher until an arm injury curtailed his baseball career. Marvin graduated from Albion College in 1959. During his high school years, he met the love of his life, Alice Marie Wright. After high school, Marvin married Alice on Aug 20, 1955. Marvin lived in Cassopolis, MI, Lawton, MI, Niles, MI, and Rochelle, IL. During this time, Marvin and Alice had 3 children, before moving to Grand Rapids, MI where he lived for the remainder of his life, with a brief time in Caledonia, MI. He and Alice spent a few summers living in Florida also. During his time in southwest Michigan, he was a high school coach for 11 years in Spring Arbor, MI, Concord, MI, Lawrence, MI, and 4 years as the head basketball coach at Cassopolis High School. Marvin went on to get his Master’s Degree in Physical Education at Northern Illinois University. He then became the Athletic Director and Head Basketball Coach at Kishwaukee Community College. Marvin then went on to become Athletic Director for Northview School District. He taught mathematics and social studies at Hills and Dales Middle School in Grand Rapids, MI for the remainder of his career. He retired in 1993. Marvin was an avid golfer up until his late 70’s. He had invented, received a patent for, and later manufactured and sold a wooden golf putter he named ‘Croquet Putt.’ Marvin and Alice were married for 54 years until her death on Feb 8, 2012, from Alzheimer’s disease. Marvin loved Alice dearly and was eager to join her in Heaven. As her health declined, she had to be admitted into a nursing home. Marvin visited her every day, except once in which there was a snowstorm. He fed her and talked to her because it “comforted her.” Marvin wanted to be buried in his best suit so he was dressed for the occasion when they were once again reunited.

 

Marvin is preceded in death by his wife Alice Middlestadt; his parents, Lyle and Esther Middlestad; and a nephew; Jeff Middlestadt.

Marvin is survived by his 2 brothers, 3 children, 7 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild. Twin brother, Melvin Middlestadt; brother, Scott (Mike) Middlestadt (child Joel); son, Monte Middlestadt (wife Mary Ann, children Merisa and Erich); Son, Marc Middlestadt (children Michael, Kayla, Megan, grandchild Estella); Daughter, Renee (Middlestadt) Harrison (children: Kaitlin and Jacob).

In Marvin’s memory donations may be made to The Arthritis Foundation or the American Heart Association. We thank the staff at Sentinel Pointe for taking such good care of him, especially Michelle Hill who had a special place in her heart for Marvin. Our sweet father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend will be missed dearly. But we have comfort in knowing he is with his Alice now and lived a full life surrounded by family and friends he adored and loved so much. His legacy and memory will live on forever in our hearts.

 

Private burial services will be at Graceland Memorial Park.

 

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Marvin’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com

 

Burial arrangements were entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006.