Marvin Eugene Monsma, known affectionately as Marv, was born on May 14, 1933, on a farm just outside Prairie City, Iowa. He passed away peacefully on October 13, 2023, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Marv's life was marked by a deep faith, an abiding love for his family and friends, and a playful sense of humor.

Marv was the beloved husband of Elaine (Gross) Monsma, and the cherished father of his daughters and sons-in-law, Kristy and Brian De Vos, Kim and Randy Rottschafer, and Michele and Michael Haan. He was an involved grandfather to Lauren (Haan) and Eric DeRuischer, Meghan (Haan) and Sam Doenier, Rileigh (Haan) and Marcellus Hare, Aidan Haan, Jordan and Catie Rottschafer, Adam Rottschafer, Melanie (Rottschafer) and Sam Burgess, Liana (Rottschafer) and Josh Dykema, Mariah De Vos, and Tiana De Vos, and a loving great-grandfather to Carter Rottschafer; Addison, Erin, James, and Nolan DeRuischer; Rowan and Eleanor Doenier; and Willow and Wells Hare.

Marv began his academic journey at Mound Prairie #7, a one-room country school with 15 students. He boarded with an elderly lady during the week while he attended Pella Christian High School, as it was a distance away. He attended Calvin University where he earned his A.B. degree, paying for his education by working as a psychiatric aide at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, demonstrating his service to others from an early age. He later went on to earn an M.A. in Secondary Education from Michigan State University and an M.A. in Library Science from the University of Michigan. He enjoyed watching football and basketball games, especially between State and U of M. His team always won.

He dedicated several years to teaching English, impacting many lives at Muskegon Christian School in 1957, moving to Grand Rapids Christian High in 1960, and then to Unity Christian High in 1963. In 1965, he joined his Alma Mater, Calvin University, as the Assistant Library Director, and later Library Director, where he served until his retirement in 1998. Under his leadership, the library moved from the Franklin Campus to the Knollcrest Campus, the H. Henry Meeter Center for Calvin Studies was opened, the fifth floor of the library was added, and the library services were automated (one of the first colleges to do so).

From his earliest days, Marv loved and raised various animals and had a vast knowledge of their behavior and habits. As a boy, he was often found on the farm tending to his menagerie, instead of getting his farmwork done, much to his father's consternation. Although his wife, Elaine, was not known for her love of dogs, he later bred and raised miniature schnauzers for a number of years to help pay for the Christian education of his girls. For many years, he enjoyed gardening and cultivated his knowledge of horticulture. He loved to read and appreciated good literature and writing, as well as classical music and concerts. His faith was demonstrated not only through his dedication as an elder and deacon but in his day-to-day actions. He was outgoing and always interested in getting to know people and their stories.

Marv was predeceased by his parents, John and Johanna Monsma; his brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Dorothy Monsma; his sister, Marjorie Stuit; and his brothers-in-law, Marvin and Lloyd Gross. He will be fondly remembered by his brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Dorothy Monsma; his brother-in-law, Robert Stuit; and his sisters-in-law, Verdella Gross, Claire Gross, and Betty Pollema, along with her husband, Vern.

There will be a private viewing and graveside service for family only. A memorial service to celebrate Marv's life will be held Friday, October 27 at 11:00 a.m. at Harvest Orthodox Presbyterian Church (930 52nd St., SW, Wyoming, MI 49509). The family will receive visitors beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the church preceding the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Ligonier Ministries, Regional Mail Center, PO Box 947595, Atlanta, Georgia 30394-7595.