Marvin William Hoops

Age 89, of Duluth, Minnesota

Marvin William Hoops, age 89, of Duluth, Minnesota, passed away on July 20 in Duluth.

Marvin—known to most as Marv—was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He will be remembered for his wit, warmth, generosity, devotion to family and faith, and deep love of the natural world. Marv was born April 11, 1937, in Glencoe, Minnesota. He joined the Airforce in 1955 and served his county as an aircrew member on reconnaissance missions. Afterward, he attended the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1963 with a degree in biological sciences. He began his career with The Upjohn Company in Williston, North Dakota, headquartered in Kalamazoo, MI. Known for his humor and easygoing nature, he was affectionately called “Marvelous Marv” by colleagues.

Marv met Judy in St. Paul, and they married in 1964. They moved to Duluth in 1966, where he continued his work with Upjohn. Their sons, Dave and Mike, were born in 1967 and 1971. In 1973, the family moved to Forest Lake, then returned two years later to Marv’s childhood farmstead in Glencoe. He renovated his childhood home, and they raised their boys surrounded by farm life, sharing their days with horses, cows, rabbits, dogs, and many cats.

In 1990, Marv and Judy returned to Duluth and built a log home on 40 acres along the North Shore of Lake Superior—a place that reflected his love of nature, family, and hands-on work. Marv retired from Upjohn in 1994 after more than 30 years. His faith remained central throughout his life; he served many church office roles, served as a deacon, sang in the choir, and volunteered with the LAMP organization and taught Bible school in the Yukon and Ontario.

In retirement, he devoted more time to the outdoors, hands-on projects, helping others, and various business pursuits. He especially enjoyed walking in the woods, identifying birds, admiring wildflowers, and watching for wildlife—from bears, turkeys, several resident woodchucks known as buddies, and an occasional cougar. Above all, Marv valued the people and places he loved. He shared more than 60 years of marriage with Judy, raised a family, and created a lifetime of memories.

Marv is survived by his wife, Judith Ann Hoops; his sons, Dave Hoops and Mike (Nicole) Hoops; his grandchildren, Daisy Hoops and Finn Hoops; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Mildred, Natalie, and Dorothy.

Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 29th at 1:00 p.m. with a visitation starting at 12:00 p.m. in Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 2012 E. Superior St, Duluth, MN 55812. Private interment at MN Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Lutheran Association of Missionaries & Pilots (LAMP) or Mt. Olive Lutheran Church are preferred.