Marvin E Kennebeck Jr.

Marvin E. Kennebeck Jr. passed away December 24, 2020 in Oshkosh at his son, Steve’s home, surrounded by his children. He was 89.
He was born at Walter Reed hospital on his parents’ anniversary, October 4, 1931, the only child of Maj. Gen. Marvin E. Kennebeck, Sr. and Elizabeth (Grove) Kennebeck. His father was stationed overseas during much of his childhood and he had many memories of those years, particularly the time in the Philippines. He graduated high school in 1949 in San Antonio as class valedictorian. He earned his engineering degree from University of Iowa, and later a Master’s degree. He was commissioned in the Air Force where he met a nurse and fellow officer, Margaret L. Delong in San Antonio, TX. They married on his birthday, October 4, 1958 in Jamestown NY. They were blessed with 5 children, born at air force bases in the US and Japan. In 1968, he accepted a job at Sentry Insurance that moved the family from San Antonio, Texas to Stevens Point, Wisconsin. In 1979, he opted for warmer climes and took a position with the American Welding Society in Miami, FL. He retired on his birthday in 1996.
In retirement there was a lot of traveling; Dad’s favorite was to go by rail. He also became a fan of real football aka soccer. He was a great supporter of his grandkids’ events, from football, soccer, and gymnastics, to art exhibits and concerts. He also gave of himself, which, for an introvert, was not easy. He volunteered in Orlando with the Literacy Network and forged wonderful bonds with the adults he helped. In Madison, he tutored elementary school students in math.
Dad was one of the lucky ones who found love for a second time when he met Arlene Ellingston at a senior’s class in Madison. They found an ideal home at Capitol Lakes in downtown Madison and spent several years enjoying travel, music, theater, and one another’s company.
Dad was humble, soft spoken, intelligent, well-read, and well-traveled. He was kind and generous beyond measure. We will miss his regular Sunday phone calls and visits.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Margaret.
He is survived by Arlene Ellingson; his five children, Marvin III (Sara), Kevin, Liz, Steve (Tisha) and Joe; grandchildren, Casey, Connor (Victoria), Chase, Austin, Andrew, Olivia, and Sofia, and two great-grandchildren. He is further survived by two cousins, Jane Bolger (Glen Ellyn, IL) and George Kennebeck (Austin, TX).
No services are planned at this time.