Marvin was born to Jean (Morse) Rosa and Russell Rosa on June 18, 1937 at the farm home of his Grandparents, Bill and Esther Morse. He grew up in Lake Ann and attended the one room Almira Grade School. After graduating from Honor High School, he served his country honorably with the U S Army Reserves.
On July 27, 1957 he married Annette Haywood, and with her unwavering support, Marvin pursued his calling to the Ministry. He attended NMC in Traverse City while he served as a lay assistant to the pastor at Central United Methodist Church. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from CMU in Mt Pleasant while serving as pastor of Rosebush/Center United Methodist Churches.
While serving at Augusta and Hickory Corners United Methodist Churches, he commuted weekly to Garrett Theological Seminary in Evanston Illinois. There he earned a Master of Divinity Degree. In the years following, he served churches in Grand Rapids, Clare, Big Rapids, and Frankfort/Elberta.
He also served as District Superintendent for the Grand Traverse District United Methodist Churches. While serving in Clare, Marvin and Annette did a pastor exchange in England. It was a joyful, learning experience and lasting friendships were made.
Both Marvin and Annette’s ancestors came from England and Scotland and they were able to find their family homeland. In June, 1999 Marvin retired and he and Annette moved back to the Rosa family home in the village of Lake Ann. Marvin was blessed with a beautiful tenor singing voice and he shared this gift at church, weddings, funerals and many other occasions.
Marvin was the go-to person, always ready to listen and share wisdom when asked. He cherished his immediate and extended family, friends, and acquaintances. He had a keen sense of humor, loved to dance, especially the polka.
Marvin learned to call square dances from his Great Uncle Cute, and calling these dances to a great fiddle tune was even better. He enjoyed his collection of John Deere tractors, which he displayed at the Lake Ann Homecoming and the Buckley Old Engine Show. Marvin is survived by Wife Annette, four sons, Marvin Carl, David (Renee), Kevin (Tracy), and Mark (Katy), 10 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
Also surviving is Brother Bill (Karen) Rosa, Sisters Marilyn (Eugene) Dezelski, Barbara Rosa, Dawn (Doug) Campeau, and Deanna (Larry) Lathwell and his step-mother Lillian Rosa. His parents and infant sister, Patricia, preceded him in death. Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb 15, 2019 from 4 to 8 pm at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.
Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m., with visitation held one hour prior, on Saturday, Feb 16, 2019 at Central United Methodist Church with Pastor Chris Lane officiating. Memorials can be directed to Central United Methodist Church for their choir chancel renovation project.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
