Marv Wafel

Marv embraced life to the fullest, whether that was with his family, his friends or his solo pursuits. 

He was a proud alumnus of the University of Missouri and enthusiastically rooted on its basketball and football teams, either from the stands or his recliner. Whether at home or on location, Marv made great efforts to ensure the refs knew if they needed to perform their jobs a little bit better. 

Marv’s love of ice cream knew no limits. His basement freezer was stocked with gallon upon gallon, along with numerous tubs of Cool Whip. There was no such thing as an “ice cream season” for Marv, who would just as gladly down a bowl or a cone outside in 20-degree weather in January as he would on a 90-degree day in August. 

Up until his last year, Marv spent many a day on his bicycle, casually riding up and back various sections of the Katy Trail, either by himself, with longtime friends from his time at McDonnell Douglas/Boeing or with his daughters and grandkids. He twice biked the entire length of the Katy Trail, once with his daughters and the last time in his 70s with his son-in-law, who had a difficult time keeping up with him. 

Biking was consistent with Marv’s love of the outdoors. He loved float trips and met the love of his life, Judy, on one in 1967. As three girls were born into their loving arms, vacations were never in hotels, always at campsites, including the one where Marv accidentally backed over the tent. Marv rarely if ever showed any anger, but at times such as the “tent incident,” you would know of his displeasure by a soft whistling song emanating through his teeth. And then, just as quickly, Marv would return to his typical even keel. 

He played tennis regularly once a week well into his 70s, some for the competition but mostly for the camaraderie and the post-match pizza with his fellow racquet-eers. 

Above all, Marv was a man of consistency and integrity. He was a dependable employee, a faithful Lutheran, a loyal friend, a loving husband, an involved father and the proud “Papa” to six grandsons and one granddaughter with whom he loved to play games of ping-pong and pool in his basement. 

He is survived by his wife Judith Wafel nee King, three daughters, Dyan (Clint) Miller of Tipton, MO, Carla (John) Agliata of Wentzille, MO, Sara (David) Nivens of Columbia, MO; brother, Wilbur (Mary) Wafel of Keensburg, CO; sister, Carlene Drussell of Overland Park, KS; seven grandchildren, Quade, Charlie, Joey, Jonah, Sterling, Audrey, Quintin;  He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Ethel Wafel nee Ruhl and 1 grandson, Jacob.

Memorials may be made payable to Shriner's Hospital for Children-St Louis or Immanuel Lutheran Church, Wentzville,MO in care of Pitman Funeral Home, PO Box 248,  Wentzville, MO 63385. 

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