Marvin R. Guthaus

GUTHAUS, Marvin R. Kalamazoo Marvin R. Guthaus went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on January 15, 2010, at Bronson Hospital. Marvin was born in the Chicago area October 17, 1925 and was raised by his mother, grandparents and aunt & uncle. On April 16, 1949, Marvin was united in marriage to Margaret Dawson, in Chicago, Illinois. Marvin served in the United States Navy during WW2 stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Hospital. Marvin was a graduate of Elmhurst College and Western Michigan University. Marvin was employed by the Armor Company as a microbiologist, while attending Moody Bible Institute at night, graduating in June 1953. He was ordained a Baptist Pastor in 1953 and served as Pastor of the Baptist Church, in Graymont, Illinois until 1956. Marvin joined The Upjohn Co. and worked in various capacities within the company, retiring in 1993 from Pharmacia & Upjohn as director of Medical Science Liaison Services. Marvin continued to serve his Lord by holding Bible studies in his home that eventually seeded a Baptist church in Janesville, WI. In Kalamazoo, as member of Bethel Baptist Church, he taught Adult Sunday School and served as a summer camp youth counselor. He also filled the pulpit as substitute pastor at several churches in the Southwest Michigan Area into the 1980's. As a member of the Cavalry Bible Church, he taught Adult Sunday School until his health prevented him from attending church. He was an avid reader and had a thirst for knowledge of Christian History. Marvin served on the Spiritual Life Committee at The Fountains. For several years in the 70's-80's, he was a member of the Kalamazoo County Sheriffs Reserve serving in the capacity of Chaplain. This gave him the opportunity to ride on road patrols with the deputies. He thoroughly enjoyed these opportunities to minister to others. Marvin and Margaret also enjoyed several years of extensive travel, visiting many countries throughout their lives. They enjoyed attending Elderhostels, especially the ones in the Holy Lands. To mark their 50th Anniversary they treated their entire family to a trip to Disney World and a Disney Cruise. Marvin was preceded in death by son David in 1985. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Margaret; two sons, Mark Beth Guthaus of Kalamazoo; Paul Cindy Guthaus of Lansing and one daughter Peggy Rocco Barbetta Of Saugrateis, NY; one daughter-in-law Paula Don Ruthven of Scotts; grandchildren, Matt Guthaus of San Francisco, Liz Kent Will of Kentwood, Jason Erica Guthaus of Holland, Michelle Guthaus of Kalamazoo, Erik Kati, Kirk Stephanie, Patrick Guthaus of Lansing and Michael Guthaus and Golde Barbetta of NY; great-grandchildren, Parker Will and Kailynn, Brooklynn, Xander, Johnnie, and Krysten Guthaus. A memorial service will be held at the Fountains, 1700 Bronson Way, Kalamazoo, MI, on Friday, January 22, 2010 at 2:00 PM with Dan Johnson officiating. A private family committal service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission or Loaves and Fishes.