Marvin Eugene Kugler departed his earthly life on March 4, 2022, at the
age of 89. He was born July 23, 1932 to Leslie Vermont Kugler and
Bessie LeAnna Johnson Kugler, in Superior Nebraska, the last of 6
children. After his birth, his family moved to Womer, in Smith County,
Kansas where he grew up and attended Womer Country School through the
8th grade. After 8th grade he attended Lebanon High School and
graduated in 1950. In 1953, Marvin enlisted in the United State Army
where he proudly served his country in Korea during the Korean conflict
as a mechanic. He was honorably discharged in 1954, with the rank of
Corporal.
When Marvin returned from the Army he worked for Raymond Yenne’s
custom harvest crew. It was during this time that he and his friend
from the harvest crew, Cecil Wayne Lambert, went bowling in Hastings,
Nebraska where Cecil Wayne introduced him to his cousin, Elsie Mae
Lambert. Marvin and Elsie began dating and were quite the dancing pair.
They married on January 11, 1959. To this union they welcomed five
children, Susan Renae, Marty Eugene, Steven Troy, Stephanie Ann, and
Deborah Kay.
In 1963, Marvin began working for Kenneth Swank, as a
farmer/rancher. They eventually formed a partnership and when Kenneth
retired, Marvin bought him out, eventually forming a partnership with
his son, Steve. Marvin found his life-long passion in farming and
ranching. Marvin never knew the meaning of slowing down, and farmed
full time until he suffered a stroke in May of 2020. Once he was asked
why he didn’t retire and he replied that retirement was for people who
couldn’t work and he was still capable of working. After each of his
knee replacements in his early 80’s, he was back working on the farm on
his tractor within a few weeks. His orthopedic surgeon told him that he
was Superman. Nothing could keep a determined Marvin from farming.
Anyone who knew Marvin, knew he had a keen memory. He could
remember the dates and where he was at the time of each of his nieces’
and nephews’ birthdays. He was an avid reader of non-fiction books and
farm magazines. He would often find a news article or comic strip of
interest to a particular person, and save it to present it to them to
read.
Marvin didn’t take a lot of time for hobbies, but in his younger
years he was on a bowling league and was also in a men’s quartet at
church. He and Elsie also enjoyed going dancing on Saturday nights when
they had time. In later years he enjoyed going to watch two of his
Grandson’s play football and basketball for Smith Center.
One of Marvin’s greatest joys came in 2013 when he was able to go on
an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. Being able to see Arlington
Cemetery and all the National monuments was a very rewarding experience
for him.
Marvin always enjoyed being around kids and particularly enjoyed
spending time and playing with his grand-children and
great-grandchildren.
Marvin was proceeded in death by his father Leslie, his mother
Bessie, his brothers Duane and Wyvern and his sisters Thelma, Imogene
and Marion.
He is survived by his wife Elsie of Smith Center, his five children Susan Harris (husband Richard) of Wichita, KS; Marty Kugler (wife Marsha) of Garden Plain, KS; Steve Kugler of Smith Center; Stephanie Schuessler (husband Randy) of Broken Arrow, OK; Deb Wells (husband Kevin) of Topeka, KS; grandchildren Katie Harris, Madison McCalla, Jared Mocaby, Griffin Kugler, Dreamer Zelenka, Ambria Roberson, Ashle Dressel, Nick Schuessler, Noah Wells, Hayden Wells, Ella Wells, Owen Wells, 10 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
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