Encyclopedia Dubuque
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COCAYNE, Marvin E.
COCAYNE, Marvin E. (Dubuque, IA, Jan. 23, 1945, in Dubuque, IA--Dubuque, IA, May 27, 2023) The son of Mildred C. (Lehnertz) and John M. Cocayne, he married Shirley Mae Thor on October 11, 1969, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Dickeyville, WI. They met while he was an Orderly in Xavier Hospital’s ER after she was involved in a near fatal car accident. He served within the United States Navy achieving the rank of Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class before being honorably discharged on April 8, 1966, and then served in the Navy Reserve until 1973.
Marvin graduated from DUBUQUE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL and attended the University of Dubuque. He worked in the healthcare industry for more than 37 years, beginning his career at XAVIER HOSPITAL as an orderly straight out of high school, leaving for military service, and returned to become their Purchasing Manager until it closed. He continued his career at MercyOne Medical Center, Dubuque, as the Director for Environmental Service until him retired on August 15, 2000. He worked after retirement as the Head Bellman at the Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark until 2017.
Marvin was a member of ST. JOHN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH holding several positions on committees and the Church Council during his time. He was a charter member of the Dubuque Evening Lions Club and received the Melvin Jones Award. He served as its past president, board member, treasurer and was actively involved in their service projects. He served on the Luther Manor Board of Director for many years, holding the office of Vice President in 2023. He played an instrumental role in the development and planning for Luther Manor’s Grand Meadows Campus expansion into Asbury, IA. Many will remember Marv for always being the one to motion for meetings to adjourn. He also enjoyed volunteering for the Special Olympics, Dubuque Schools – Field Trips and Washington Relays for 25 plus years, Leisure Service Events, and the Hempstead Booster Club.
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Source:
Obituaries, Dubuque Today, June 11, 2023