Obituary of Marvyle A. Farland

Marvyle “Marv” Allan Farland, 95, passed away on January 19, 2026, surrounded by the care and love of his family and the compassionate staff at Oaknoll Retirement Health Center in Iowa City.

Marv was born on July 11, 1930, in Swea City, Iowa, to Herman and Anna Flatrud Farland, the second of four siblings. He attended country school in Leland and graduated from Thompson High School in 1947. He grew up with strong Midwestern values and a steady work ethic that stayed with him throughout his life.

He continued his education at the University of Iowa for two years before earning his Bachelor of Arts degree from the Iowa State Teachers College in 1952. Marv began his career as a high school math teacher and girls’ basketball coach, bringing patience, encouragement, and dedication to his students and athletes.

Marv later built a long and reliable career in quality control at Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids, where he and his first wife, Beryl G Gangsei, raised their two sons, Bryan and Gerald.

In 1995, Marv and Ann Buchanan met at a single’s dance and got married on August 16, 1997 – 28 years ago. They had a full life traveling throughout the United States and internationally as well; they continued to enjoy line dancing and ballroom dancing. Both Ann and Marv liked to bike and made fond memories biking the Root River trails near Lanesboro, MN.

A skilled and determined handyman, Marv took pride in working with his hands. He helped build his first home and handled most of his own household and auto repairs. One of his greatest accomplishments was restoring a totaled Honda Goldwing motorcycle – a project he approached with persistence. He put on 40,000 miles motorcycling throughout the US, especially cherishing trips throughout the Colorado Rocky Mountain National Park.

Marv was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dean Farland. He is survived by his wife, Ann Farland, his sister, Arlys Krause, his brother, Keith (Mary) Farland, his sons Bryan (Patricia) Farland and Gerald (Darlene) Farland, his stepdaughters, Molly (Rik) Byers and Michele (Gareth) Watkins, along with many grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

Marv will be remembered for his devotion to family, the joy he found in building, fixing things and his practical approach to life.

Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice or to Marv’s favorite charity, The Salvation Army. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, April 26, from 1 to 3pm with remarks at 2:45pm at Gay and Ciha Funeral and Cremation Services in Iowa City, Iowa.