With a heart bigger than the great outdoors he so loved, Marvin Elden Lettau, known to all as Marv, passed on Aug. 1, 2024, at the age of 83. He was born on Aug. 22, 1940, in Deadwood, South Dakota.
From the gold mines of Idaho to the icy waters he commercially fished in the Bering Sea, Marv made life an adventure. He owned an independent logging business for 20 years doing contract logging. After logging, he went into the motel business with his dear sister, Darla Russell, in Wenatchee. In semi-retirement he settled in Rochester on a small beef farm working in construction. Marv was an outdoorsman at heart, with a love for fishing, hunting and the simple, raw beauty of nature. His creative flair was evident in his metalwork and welding.
But beyond his occupational endeavors, Marv's most cherished role was that of a supportive husband, father and grandfather. His love for his family was as steadfast as his reliability, always there when they needed him.
He leaves behind his wife, Bonita Lettau; his children, Rex Waltrip, Cynthia Hertwig and Russ Lettau; his beloved grandchildren, Wendy (Patrick), Stephanie (Joel), Haley Hertwig, Broc Hertwig and Skylar Lettau; as well as his six great-grandchildren. Marv also travels on to join those who preceded him in death, including his parents, Leslie and Ruby Lettau; his son, Marvin 'Ray' Lettau; and his siblings, Elmer Lettau, LRoy Lettau and Iretha Adams.
