Marvin Braga

Marvin Robert Braga, 93, of Marshalltown, Iowa passed away Monday, December 15, 2014, at Iowa River Hospice, with his loving family by his side. Marvin was born February 7, 1921 to Irvin Welcome and Mary Marcella (Courtney) Braga, in Pukwana, South Dakota. He grew up in Iowa Falls, graduating with the high school class of 1939. He graduated from Ellsworth Junior College in 1942, and attended Drake University. Marvin served his country honorably in the United States Air Force during WWII, where he was stationed in Italy. On August 15, 1948, Marvin was united in marriage to Marjorie Lou Zickefoose at the Methodist Church in Thornton, Iowa. He was a partner in I. W. Braga & Sons, the family dealership, in Iowa Falls, until 1961. In 1962, Marvin moved to Marshalltown and started Braga Motor Co. He started out selling Ramblers and eventually added Dodge, Chrysler, Plymouth and Jeep. Marvin really never knew retirement, staying on at the dealership in self-appointed capacities. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, a Hall of Fame Member of the Iowa Auto Dealers Association, the American Legion, and the Lions Club. Marvin received the esteemed Melvin Jones Award from the Lions Club, and most recently, was recognized for 65 years of service. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Marjorie Braga of Marshalltown, Iowa; Bradley (Kathy) Braga of Marshalltown, Iowa; Jane Braga Ridgely of Mesa, Arizona; Mark (Lee Ann) Braga of Marshalltown, Iowa; grandchildren: Kyle Braga Ridgely, Courtney Marie Ridgley, David Robert Braga, Hollie Ann Braga; step grandchildren: Lauren Amelia (Adam) Bailey, and Daniel Scott (Lisa Maher, fiance) Zuelke; one step-great-grand child, Tristen John Bailey; and his sister, Buelah Patton, of Hampton, Iowa. In death Marvin rejoins his parents, I.W. and Mary Braga; his step-mother, Isabelle, and brothers: Stanley, DeVere, and Vincent. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 18, 2014, at the First United Methodist Church in Marshalltown, Iowa. The family will greet friends from 5:00 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at Mitchell Family Funeral Home. For further information or to send a condolence please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call (641) 844-1234. The Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Marvin and his family. Memorial contributions may be directed to: First United Methodist Church of Marshalltown, The Lions Club, or Iowa River Hospice.