Marvin Zaiger

Marvin Zaiger, 94, of Iowa City, passed away on March 9, 2026, at Crestview Specialty Care in West Branch. Born on April 9, 1931, in Audubon County, Iowa, to Herman and Ruth (Kelley) Zaiger, he grew up on the family farm and attended Audubon High School, where he excelled in basketball, football, and track. He continued his athletic pursuits at Simpson College, where he met Shirley Jacobsen. The couple married on November 21, 1951, in Indianola and built a life together centered on family, raising five children.

Marvin farmed the land he grew up on and later worked for many years as an agricultural lender in the banking industry, retiring in 1993. He had a deep love for the outdoors, horses, and blacksmithing. In his spare time he enjoyed carpentry and woodworking, taking on countless home improvement projects with skill and enthusiasm. He also created beautiful glass art and took special pride in the stained glass windows he crafted for a church in Walnut, Iowa.

He and Shirley cherished their retirement years together, spending winters in Arizona, traveling the country in their RV, and sharing many memorable trips with their family. Marvin was remembered as a loving, steady, and dependable man with a wonderful sense of humor. A rock for those around him, he was always accepting and deeply cherished his family.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 74 years, Shirley; his children, Mark Zaiger, John (Helen) Zaiger, Steven (Cherie) Zaiger, Susan Zaiger, and Carol Zaiger; five grandchildren, Justin, Jessica, Adam, Kathryn, and Andrew; 14 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Shirley Zentmire. He was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings.