Marva Lee Speich

August 7, 1936 — September 11, 2024

Marva Lee Speich Profile Photo
Marva Lee Speich, 88, of Marion, Iowa, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at her home. In agreement with her wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Marva’s life will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 29, 2024, in the Prairie Oak Lodge at Wanatee Park, located at 1600 Banner Drive, in Marion. A Private Family Inurnment will take place at a later date at Jordan’s Grove Cemetery in rural Central City, Iowa.

Marva was born on August 7, 1936, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the daughter of Francis “Frank” and Alice “Pauline” (Byers) Andrews. She was a 1954 graduate of Central City High School. Marva married Floyd Dirks in 1954, and to this union, three children were born. They later divorced. On June 19, 1971, Marva was united in marriage to Arland Speich in Anamosa, Iowa. He preceded her in death in 2013.

Marva was employed as a secretary for Central City Schools prior to working for the Marion and Cedar Rapids Police Departments as a Dispatcher for 27 years. She was a member of the St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Marion, the Camping Club, and a group called, “The Marvelous Marvas”, who would meet annually in Iowa. Marva enjoyed gardening, camping, flowers, and traveling with Arland. One of her greatest joys was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Marva is survived and lovingly remembered by her three children, Wayne (Kathy) Dirks of Central City, Donna Seeley of Robins, Iowa, and Steve (Deb) Dirks of Cedar Rapids; stepson, David Speich of Vilonia, Arkansas; two honorary daughters, Nancy (Mike) Lanoue of West Des Moines, Iowa and Barb O’Brien of Center Point, Iowa; six grandchildren, Ben (Stacie) Dirks, Crystal (Brent) Sorenson, Amber (Chad) Rine, Nathan Smart, Nicole (Fred) Radunzel, and Alec Dirks; two step-grandchildren, Skylar Smith and Jim Speich; thirteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; one brother, George (Barbara) Andrews of Lakewood, Colorado; one sister, Fern Andrews of Arvada, Colorado; and a host of several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Pauline Andrews; former first husband, Floyd Dirks; second husband, Arland Speich; and son-in-law, Clarke Seeley.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Marva’s cousin, Cheryl Rollins, for all the love, care, and support she has continued to give to her.

Memorials in Marva’s memory may be directed to Gigi’s Playhouse Des Moines, located at 6507 University Avenue, Windsor Heights, Iowa 50324, or a favorite charity of your choice.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Marva Lee Speich, please visit our flower store.

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Celebration of Life Gathering

Sunday, September 29, 2024

11:00am - 2:00 pm (Central time)

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Prairie Oak Lodge at Wanatee Park

1600 Banner Drive Marion, IA 52302

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