Marvin E. VanLeeuwen

Marvin E. VanLeeuwen of Carmel, Indiana passed away 7/31/2023 as a result of complications from   Parkinson’s.  Marvin is the son of the late Reverend Earl and Caroline VanLeeuwen of Canajoharie and Linlithgo, NY.  He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Jean, daughter Elizabeth, son John and his wife Stacy, and four grandchildren, Mckenna, Hanna, Samson, and Augustus.  Also surviving are his siblings David, Carol (Murphy), and Bill.

Marvin spent his early childhood years in Clifton, NJ before moving with his family to Canajoharie, NY in 1956. He graduated from Canajoharie High school in 1961. His excellence in basketball earned him an athletic scholarship to Cornell University where in his senior year he served as captain of the Big Red team.  

Following his graduation from Cornell in 1965, he accepted a chemistry teaching position at the Pembroke Country Day School in Kansas City, MO where he met his wife, Jean.  He remained in Kansas City for 20 years serving as a teacher, coach, principal, and ultimately assistant headmaster.  His career then took him to Millbrook, NY where he served as headmaster of the Dutchess Day School, followed by an opportunity in Indianapolis, IN in 1993 at the Orchard School. 

Two of Marvin’s favorite outdoor activities were camping and sailing, and over the years the family enjoyed many adventures together from Yellowstone to the Oregon coast and back to the familiar Adirondacks.  Sailing was added to the family vacations in the early 1980s with the purchase of an 18’ YFlyer. 

He loved music, sang in his Carmel church choir for many years, and looked back fondly at his years in the Cornell Glee Club.  He also sang several years with a Carmel quartet called the Cool Creek Boys.

Prior to and after retirement, Marvin and wife Jean continued to make travel a priority and were very fortunate to have some amazing experiences.  Travel opportunities, through Jean’s job, meant spring breaks in far flung places.

The family would like to thank Life’s Journey Hospice. They were truly a blessing and we thank them for their amazing support and loving care. The family will be having a service at a later date. Tribute gifts can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation.