March 28, 2024

Marvin Leroy Shawver

Marvin Leroy Shawver, 69, of Le Claire died Thursday, Sept. 5, 2013, at Manor Care — Utica Ridge in Davenport following complications from a stroke in December 2010.

Funeral services celebrating his life will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Bettendorf. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on today at the church. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Newton at approximately 3 p.m. Tuesday. Memorials may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church or Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Newton. McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home in Bettendorf is assisting the family with arrangements.

Marvin was born Jan. 4, 1944, the son of George and Helen (Wilson) Shawver, in Colorado Springs, Colo., where his father was stationed with the United States Army.  In 1946, the family returned to Ottumwa, and in 1950 they moved to Fredericksburg.  After graduating from the Fredericksburg High School, he attended Morningside College, Iowa State University, and University of Colorado majoring in geology.

In 1965, Marv began his hospitality business in Boulder, Colo.  He developed, owned and operated five franchised motels, restaurants and nightclubs headquartered in Newton. He later developed a real estate firm specializing in the sale, consulting and management of hospitality properties. In 1998, he moved his company to the Quad Cities where he sold and leased all types of commercial property.

On Aug. 21, 1965, he married Kathleen Burke in Mason City. Kathleen preceded him in death on Sept. 17, 1996. On Jan. 31, 1998, he married Evelyn Schelm Murphy in Newton.

Marv was a people person, building relationships with a large number of business contacts. As a teenager, he began fly fishing and was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hiking, camping and kayaking, and had fascination with all kinds of rocks. Family and fine dining were his passions.

He believed in giving back to his community and was very active in many different civic organizations in Newton and Le Claire. He served eight years on the Newton City Council.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Evelyn; one daughter, Suzanne Shawver of Newton; two sons, John (Jenny) Shawver of Monroe, and Jim (Angel) Shawver of Sanford, Fla.; four grandchildren, Kameryn, Ellie, Kennedy and Carrrington; step-daughter Amanda Murphy of Iowa City; sister Jan Rowe; and brother Gary (Pam) Shawver; sisters-in-law; brothers-in-law; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Kathleen and his parents.

Condolences may be made to Marv’s family by viewing his obituary at www.mcginnis-chambers.com.