December 29, 1938 – October 27, 2025
Marvin LeRoy Karsjens, 86, of Mason City, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, Monday October 27, 2025 leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and quiet strength.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring.
Born December 29, 1938, in Hampton, Iowa, Marv was the son of Alma (Kruse) Karsjens. He grew up with a zest for life that never faded — whether he was competing on the football field and track at Hampton High School or later proudly serving his country in the United States Navy from 1959 to 1963.
On February 2, 1972, Marv married the love of his life, Linda Bohnsack, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Mason City. The two shared 53 years of devotion, laughter, and deep companionship. Together, they built a beautiful life centered around family, faith, and simple joys.
Marv’s career in sales spanned nearly four decades — first with the Barclay Company in Mason City, and later as a sales manager for Warner Industries. He had a natural gift for connecting with people; his friendly smile, warm laugh, and honest handshake were the foundation of many lifelong relationships.
Outside of work, Marv filled his days with the things he loved most: golfing, fishing, playing cards, and catching up with friends over morning coffee. He was always up for a trip to the slot machines or a visit with his granddaughters in California, where he found endless joy and pride in watching them grow.
A lifelong Hawkeye fan and loyal follower of the Minnesota Vikings, Marv also enjoyed collecting rare coins and snacking on peanuts, cashews, and salt water taffy. He was a creature of habit, known for his flip phone, his punctuality (“if you’re on time, you’re already late”), and his deep, booming laugh that was unmistakable — and unforgettable. He and Linda were longtime members of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Mason City.
Marv’s love for his family ran deep and steady. He was never one for grand gestures, but rather a thousand small acts of care — a door held open, a gentle reminder, a helping hand. He faced life’s challenges with quiet determination, embodying the simple wisdom to “grin and bear it.”
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Linda of Mason City; his children, Ryan (Adrienne) Karsjens of Mason City and Kari (John) Loeser of San Ramon, California; granddaughters, Sydney Elizabeth and Madison Elyse Loeser; his brother, Dale (Myra) Karsjens of Mason City; many nieces, nephews and dear friends who were blessed to know him.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Alma Karsjens, and his sister, Shirley Karsjens Hammer.
Marv’s life was a testament to loyalty, laughter, and love — qualities that will continue to echo in the hearts of all who knew him.
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