Marvin Labahn Obituary

Linnea has joined her father and mother April 29, 2005. I knew her for about 30 years but was only married to her for a little over 10 years. I will miss them both.

My parents told me that some people liked the piece that I wrote for the memorial service. I have included my e-mail in this entry. If you would like a file of the piece that your computer can play, send me an e-mail, and I will forward it to you. Here are the remarks I wrote up for the piece that my father read at the ceremony:



I began this piece of music about 2 weeks ago and finished it shortly before I came up last Sunday. My only plan at the outset was to include as part of the structure some of the melody of grandpa’s fraternity song that he once asked me to make a computer file of so his computer would play it. As the music finally took shape, I was reminded of a poetic term that I have encountered called “Eidolons” that eventually became the title for the piece. The word can have a lot of different meanings, any of which can have some validity, but in this case, it refers to a state of memory. The term describes strong and personally significant memories that are still somehow indistinct, like an old photograph seen through frosted glass.



It is rare that I write music for specific people or events. Such pieces are intensely personal, and I don’t always have the energy to carry such tasks out. In this case, however, it came quite easily once it was started. As you listen to the music, try to let your own memories of Marvin Labahn, Sr. flow with the music. The memories swirl and fade into one another. They jump from one to another with no particular organization, and maybe some of them never really happened. Eidolons can be tricky things.



The theme of this piece is my memory of my grandfather, but I hope it can help you look over some of your own. If there is any other message involved, it is one I’m sure we’ve all realized. We’ll miss him.

Dear Dad



The children and I miss you and Mom terribly but we have our memories of all the holidays we spent with the both of you. I will be with all of you soon even though it will mean leaving all my children, grandchildren, husband and friends Mary and Bill, Gloria, Jennifer and Bandit behind.

I only had a few years with you but enjoyed them a lot. Will miss you.

Grandpa, Friend, Patriarch. Summers by Grandma and Grandpa, the library and of course, cigars! These are the things that come to my mind when I think of you. You were a great example to all of us on how we should live our lives - love your family and friends, work hard, and find things that you really enjoy and participate in them as much as possible. It was because of your square dancing passion that I came across the University of Illinois for the first time. Who knew that one day I would graduate from that very same school? I bet in some small way, you knew. You have been a leader and mentor for many, and I can only hope that I will live up to the example that you and my father have set for me. This isn't goodbye... it's only a brief moment in time until we are all together again. Give grandma a hug and kiss for us. Love, Steve

I am so happy I was able to meet and spend time with you. Tim always speaks so highly of you and you have helped make him the man he is today. We miss you so much.

Grandpa,



Thank you for always being there when I needed you. You were the father that we never had. We love you and miss you. I know you are in a better place now. Give grandma a kiss from us.



Love,



Michael, Rose & Madison

Dear Uncle Marvin,



You have been my Mentor for most of my life and I thank you for being the loving, caring person that you have always been to me. I treasure the memories i have of you and they will always be a part of my life. I love you. Jim

Mr. Mrs. Frank Slowinski & Family

Dear Dad,

I regret not telling you that I loved you before you joined your lord in heaven..You did instill family values to us kids..you work hard and good things will happen...I will miss talking to you on the phone, even if it was only for a short time...I remember the good time we had when you came over seas to visit me when I was in the military...Most of all I am proud to have had you as my FATHER,DAD, and Friend...You are with grandma and grandpa and mom..one day we will all be together as a family..most of all I am thankful that Lynette had Christmas this past year with the family for you...As the Patriarch of the family,you will be missed by all...I love you, DAD and I will miss you

YOUR LOVING SON,

JOHN

Dear Dad,



Time and miles never separated us from being in each other's hearts. Thank you for being such a wonderful part of my family's life. Because of our strong faith in our Heavenly Father, we know that you are now resting in God's arms along with Mom and my Dad right next to you. May peace be with you always.



Love, Kathy

Uncle Marvin,



Even tho I am not a family member, this is what I have always called you. Thanks be to God we had the opportunity to visit and get re-acquainted last September while I was visiting in Chicago from my home in California. We talked about old friends and family and you proudly shared your photos and some of your other works with me. I came away from our meeting so impressed. You, alone, were instrumental in getting me involved in square dancing 47 years ago, which became an important part of my life and still is today. I have always admired and respected you and am sad that our recently renewed acquaintance had to end so soon. You were part of so many fond and happy memories during my childhood. My deepest sympathy and love to your family as you now rest with God and those you've loved.

Grandpa,

The loss to those you left behind is immeasurable. The difference you made in my life with your constant presence is one that can not be explained. I am comforted knowing that you are in heaven with others that have gone before and with our Lord and Savior Jesus. I know you are in a better place. You and grandma will always be in my heart. We will see you again.

All our love,

Debbie and Brandon

Dear Dad,

We will miss you very much, your love and guidance while I was growing up will be treasured always. The fishing trips to Northern Michigan with Uncle Harold, Grandma Nelson and John. Give Mom a big hug and kiss for us all. Your loving son,

Marvin Jr

Grandpa



what more can i say but thank you for being a wonderful father to me. You and grandma will be in my heart forever. I hope that heaven is everything you want it to be. I love you so much and will live knowing that even though you are not on this earth you are in my heart forever.



love



Kristin, Brian Sr, Brian Jr, Nicholas, and Alexis

Dear Mr. Labahn,

You were a remarkable man that I was fortunate to get to know. What connected us was our genealogical research for ancestors of Per Nilsson. You were looking for your family's relatives in Sweden and I for mine in the United States. I remember my grandfather telling me about his cousins in America and was wondering who they were. Never had I thought I would meet someone like you who was married to one of morfar's (grandpa's) cousins and to meet and learn to know a big part of my American family. Thank You for being a great friend. I'll miss you very much.

Uncle Marvin

i'll never forget the fish story grama told us about the big fish. thanks for taking her fishing. your loving family malin's thanks for all your love, it will be missed

Dear Grandpa,



We will miss you very much. Give Gramma a big kiss and hug from us and enjoying your heavenly square dancing.

Everyone will miss yo uvery much great grandpa and yo uwill always be in my thoughts and in my heart may your sould rest in peace love you

Alli

Dear Dad,



Thank you for being a vital part of my life for more than 50 years. Your contributions to your family, your friends and your community will live forever, as will loving memories of you for those of us who were privileged to have had you in our lives for only a moment in terms of eternity.

We will miss you so much Grandpa. You were a wonderful, loving, Grandpa and Great Grandpa. Paul and I love you very much.

Dear Grandpa:



We will miss you very much. You will always be in our hearts and forever in our memories. Thanks for always being there for us. Give Grandma a hug and a kiss for us.



Love Lynette, Alan and Alexander