Marvin E. Alphs

Marvin E. Alphs, 74, of Mason City, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 15, 2024, surrounded by family. 

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Rolling Acres Christian Reformed Church, 341 19th St SW., Mason City. Interment will be held in the Woden Christian Reformed Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, November 22, 2024, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City. A time of sharing will be held at 7:30 p.m.

Memorials may be directed to the Rolling Acres Christian Reformed Church or Affordables – 43 North Iowa.  

Born on April 23, 1950, in Algona, Iowa, Marvin was the beloved son of Ivan and Gladys (Redenius) Alphs. He was raised on the family farm near Wesley, Iowa, where he worked alongside his family and shared countless joyful moments with friends, extended family, and neighbors. Marvin graduated from Britt High School in 1968 and attended Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City.

Marvin’s journey, impacted by illness during his young adulthood, led him to become a passionate advocate for those with disabilities and mental health challenges. Drawing from his own struggles, Marvin played a pivotal role in supporting others. He helped establish and nurture the Renew Center for the mentally disabled and later became a Peer Specialist at WellSource in Mason City.

Marvin’s enterprising spirit shone through when he opened Marv’s Coffee Shop at the Renew Center where he was also an art instructor. Sharing his love for painting, Marvin inspired others to explore their own artistic talents.

A lifelong artist, Marvin created eclectic and captivating works in a variety of styles and mediums. He was also a prolific poet. Both his art and poetry brought him pride and joy, and reflected his vibrant inner world. Marvin also enjoyed building and crafting, from constructing forts and treehouses in his youth to transforming gardens and renovating his home in his later years.

A devoted member of Rolling Acres Christian Reformed Church in Mason City, Marvin cherished his deep friendships within the church community. His quiet strength, generous spirit, and unwavering faith left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Marvin’s life was a testament to perseverance, compassion, and faith, and his memory will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Marvin was a beloved family member, brother, brother-in-law, nephew, cousin, and uncle. He is survived by his brothers and their families: Larry (Keiko) Alphs of Princeton, NJ, and their daughters Hannah, Sarah, and Aya; and Duane (Mary) Alphs of Haymarket, VA, and their children Amanda, Christina, and Brian.

Marvin will be deeply missed, but his enduring legacy of kindness and creativity will remain in the hearts of those he touched.