Marvin Gunter

Marvin Cole Gunter was born March 8,1938 in Pocatello, Idaho and is the youngest of nine children born to Rufus Marion Gunter and Lora Cole.

Marv spent his early years living and attending school in Arimo, Idaho followed by several years in Pocatello. He then returned for a year of high school at Marsh Valley High in Arimo, eventually graduating from Pocatello High School with his Class of 1956.

In September 1956, Marv and a couple of buddies enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served until September 1958. He completed his basic training at Camp Pendleton near San Diego and was later stationed in Okinawa and the Philippines.

Following his time in the Marines, Marv reconnected with Carole JoAnn Coffin, also from Arimo. She was then living in Pocatello and his little red Austin-Healey Sprite caught her eye. They were married August 8,1959 in Pocatello. Their family was sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple December 3,1976

Marv and Carole have three children; Lance (Linda) Gunter, Pocatello, Idaho; Jodi (Paul) Bickley, Layton, Utah; Joni (Paul) Short, and the late Scott Hansen, Plain City, Utah. They have 11 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren.

Marv and Carole lived in Ogden, Utah for a brief time shortly after they were first married and Marv worked for the “Quick Cafe” vending company. Marv soon returned to Pocatello with his young family and worked for his father-in-law, Rex Coffin, building homes in the Pocatello area. He also attended ISU studying accounting for a time. Home building projects continued to be an opportunity for Marv to work and teach throughout his life. He built his and Carole’s home in Chubbuck. He built several duplexes and then helped his son, sons-in-law and grandchildren build or remodel various homes in Chubbuck, Pocatello, in Oregon and Utah. Never one to let grass grow under his feet, Marv and his brother Bob started a business named the Sunshine Sewer Service and wound up being their own first customer, having to pump out the septic system at his own home.

In 1965, Marv was hired by the Pocatello Fire Department. He went from Probationary Fire Fighter to Driver Operator, Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief and he eventually retired in 1990 as Division Chief. While at the fire department, Marv attended the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland and received an Executive Fire Officer Certification.

Marvin enjoyed many activities throughout his life. Early on he decided to get involved in stock car racing and had a car affectionately known as the ”Drum Stick” because they were sponsored by his friend’s family who owned the local Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise. His interests also included archery, where he was once the runner up in the state field archery championship. He and Carole loved vacationing with his brothers and their families, and they enjoyed camping, boating, and skiing with their family and many friends. He made many motorcycle road trips with Carole and their fellow “gang” members, with whom they raised more than a few eyebrows, showing up at the various congregations of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to attend meetings. Rumor has it that they even acted as substitute Primary and Relief Society teachers on an occasion or two. In 1980, Marv and his brothers, Bob and Earl, began building a cabin at Bear Lake. It became a gathering place for many friends and family members over several years. After that cabin was sold, another was purchased in 2006 and the family still gathers often just to see how many people can be crammed into a single home for a long weekend!

In 2003, Marv was elected to the Chubbuck City Council, a position he maintained for 3 terms (12 years).

Marvin and Carole moved to Plain City, Utah in April 2017 where they reside and made many new friends and acquaintances. Marv passed at home in the early morning hours of June 18, 2025. He always was a morning person.

Many thanks to the staff of Atlas Homecare and Hospice for their gentle care and assistance in his final days here with us.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, June 29, 2025, from 6 to 7:30 at the Poplar 1st Ward, 2123 North 2000 West, Farr West, Utah. 

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, June 30, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. at the Arimo Ward, 286 Henderson Ave, Arimo, Idaho. Friends may visit with family from 9:30 to 11:00 at the church in Arimo. Interment Arimo Cemetery.

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