Marvin & Jacqueline Koel

In Loving Memory of Marvin and Jacqueline Koel

Marvin Eugene Koel

September 12, 1939 to October 22, 2026

Jacqueline Jean Koel (née Snitselaar) February 4, 1941 to January 29, 2019

Marvin Eugene Koel and Jacqueline Jean Koel shared a life defined by faith, family, hard work, and enduring devotion to one another. Together they built a legacy that lives on through the family they raised, the friendships they cherished, and the values they passed on to future generations.

Marvin was born on September 12, 1939, in Rock Valley, Iowa, to Peter Koel and Elizabeth (Ver Burg) Koel. He was one of five children born to Peter and Elizabeth and grew up on the family farm near Alvord, Iowa. The farm was a thriving dairy operation known for its herd of Holstein cows and acres of corn that supported the livestock.

There, Marvin learned the values of hard work, perseverance, responsibility, and faith while participating in the daily routines of farm life.

Jacqueline was born on February 4, 1941, in Rock Rapids, Iowa, to William Snitselaar and Verda (Husmann) Snitselaar. She was one of seven children born to William and Verda and was raised near the Rock River outside of Rock Rapids. Growing up along the river, she developed a deep appreciation for nature, faith, family, and hard work.

At the center of Jacqueline's upbringing were her parents, William and Verda, whose lives were defined by love, devotion, and commitment to their family.

Marvin and Jacqueline met as teenagers in Rock Rapids during the 1950s. What began as a youthful friendship soon grew into a deep and lasting love. In an era when life moved at a simpler pace, they spent countless hours together sharing conversations, laughter, and dreams for the future.

Roller skating quickly became one of their favorite pastimes and remained one of the fondest memories of their early years together. Friends and family would later recall how naturally they enjoyed each other's company and how evident it was that they were building a bond that would endure a lifetime.

During those years, Marvin could often be found riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, embracing the spirit of adventure that would remain part of him throughout his life.

Jacqueline admired his confidence, determination, and kindness, while Marvin was

drawn to Jacqueline's warmth, compassion, and genuine care for others. Their relationship was built upon friendship, trust, and mutual respect, qualities that sustained them throughout their lives together.

Growing up near Alvord, Marvin also developed a love for baseball. As a teenager, he proudly played for the Alvord baseball team, where he demonstrated the athletic ability and competitive spirit that later carried him to Buena Vista University.

Marvin attended Buena Vista University, where he earned his degree and proudly played collegiate baseball.

As Marvin and Jacqueline's love deepened, they shared hopes for a family, a home, and a future together. Those dreams became reality when they were married on June 9, 1962, in Rock Rapids, Iowa, the same community where they had met and fallen in love. What started as a teenage romance in the 1950s grew into a remarkable partnership spanning nearly 60 years of marriage and a lifetime of shared memories.

Following Peter Koel's passing in 1966, Marvin and Jacqueline returned to the family farm near Alvord to support Elizabeth and help manage the Holstein dairy herd and corn farming operation. Their decision reflected a deep commitment to family and a desire to help preserve the farm and family life that meant so much to them.

In 1970, Marvin and Jacqueline moved their growing family to Hawley, Minnesota. They later established a home on a small farm near Rollag, Minnesota, where they spent much of the 1970s and 1980s raising their five children.

The Rollag farm became the center of family life. Horses, dogs, cats, and chickens were part of everyday life, while wheat fields and tree-planting projects provided valuable lessons in patience and responsibility. Marvin and the children planted and cared for thousands of trees, creating a lasting legacy on the land.

The Rollag farm was also where the children developed a lifelong appreciation for agriculture and animal care. All five children were highly active in 4-H, exhibiting animals and participating enthusiastically in activities that helped shape their character, confidence, and work ethic.

During these years Marvin built a distinguished career with the Internal Revenue Service. Based in Fargo, North Dakota, he served as a Criminal Investigator and spent much of his career working undercover. His professionalism, integrity, and courage earned the respect of colleagues and reflected the same values he lived by at home.

While raising their family, Jacqueline built a successful career as a beautician, operating a salon from her home. Her salon was more than a workplace. It was a gathering place

where friendships flourished and conversations flowed. At the same time, she created a home filled with warmth, hospitality, and unconditional love.

Throughout their lives, Marvin and Jacqueline remained devoted members of the Methodist Church. Their faith provided guidance, comfort, and purpose through every chapter of life.

Beginning in his teenage years and continuing throughout his life, Marvin enjoyed riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Riding gave him a sense of adventure and freedom that remained part of his personality for decades. Even later in life, he enjoyed memorable rides through the mountains of Montana, appreciating the beauty of the open road and the landscapes of the American West.

Following retirement, Marvin and Jacqueline settled at their beloved home on Toad Lake, Minnesota. Their lakeside home became the setting for countless family memories and annual gatherings that children, grandchildren, relatives, and friends looked forward to every year.

Annual family traditions at Toad Lake brought generations together around shared experiences and simple joys. Whether gathered around the dinner table, relaxing on the dock, spending time in fishing boats, or sharing stories late into the evening, family bonds were strengthened and memories were made.

Fishing for walleye on Toad Lake became one of the family's most treasured traditions. Marvin and his children also shared a love of ice fishing, creating experiences that would become part of the family's story for generations to come.

Marvin was an avid outdoorsman and accomplished deer hunter whose favorite hunting grounds were on his land near Toad Lake. Whether fishing on the lake, hunting in the woods, riding his Harley-Davidson, or spending time with family and friends, he appreciated life's simple pleasures.

Marvin had a special affection for his beloved golden retriever, Naughty Nancy, whose loyal companionship brought him years of happiness and many cherished memories. Jacqueline found joy in flowers, gardening, and feeding the birds that visited their lakeside home. She loved creating beautiful gardens and welcoming outdoor spaces. More than anything, she cherished caring for her grandchildren and hosting family meals that brought everyone together around the table. Her hospitality, kindness, and gentle nature left a lasting impression on everyone who entered her home.

Together, Marvin and Jacqueline created a home at Toad Lake filled with laughter, stories, traditions, and love. It became a place where family gathered, friendships were strengthened, and lifelong memories were made.

The greatest joy of Marvin and Jacqueline's lives was their family. Together they raised five children: Todd (and Barbara) Koel of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming; Chad (and Melissa) Koel of Toad Lake, Minnesota; David (and Alisha) Koel of Kalispell, Montana; Lezlee (and Jason) Franke of Sartell, Minnesota; and Lisa (and Anthony) Schneider of Sartell, Minnesota. They were blessed with sixteen grandchildren, one great-grandchild and took immense pride in watching their family grow through the generations.

Jacqueline passed away on January 29, 2019, in Sartell, Minnesota. Marvin continued to carry forward the traditions, values, and legacy they had built together until his passing on October 22, 2026, in Bozeman, Montana.

Marvin is survived by his loving sister, Carol (and Clark) Lee and his brothers, Les (and Diane) Koel and Delmar (and Deede) Koel. Jacqueline is survived by her brother, Roger (and Dolly) Snitselaar. Together they are lovingly remembered by their children, grandchildren, extended family members, and many dear friends.

A memorial service celebrating the lives of Marvin and Jacqueline Koel will be held on November 6, 2026, at Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids, Iowa.

Following the service, Marvin and Jacqueline will be laid to rest together at Riverview Cemetery. It is fitting that their final resting place will be in the community where Jacqueline was born and raised, where they met as teenagers, where they roller skated during their courtship, and where they were married on June 9, 1962. Their life together began in Rock Rapids, and together they now return home.

Though they are no longer with us, their love endures in the hearts of those they leave behind. Their memories live on in every family gathering, every flower garden in bloom, every bird welcomed to the yard, every baseball game, every motorcycle ride, every tree planted, every ice-fishing trip, and every walleye caught on Toad Lake.

Together they built a life. Together they built a family. Together they leave a legacy that will endure for generations.