Marvin "Mike" Altena, 76, Pipestone, died Thursday, March 25, 2004 at his home.

Funeral service was held Monday, March 29 at 10:30 a.m. at the Christian Reformed Church, Pipestone, with Dr. Jerrien Gunnick officiating.

Honorary casketbearers were his granddaughters, Krista and Melissa Veldhuizen, Becky Schelhaas, Valerie Kas, Laurie and Adison Altena.

Casketbearers were his grandsons, Ryan and C.J. Veldhuizen, Brian Kas, Seth Garrett, and Chris and Scott Altena.

Interment was in New Woodlawn Cemetery, Pipestone.

Marvin was born to Henry and Effie (Broek) Altena on Feb. 16, 1928 in Ireton, Iowa. When he was small he moved with his parents to a farm near Alvord, Iowa where he attended country school. After completing his education he helped on the family farm.

On Sept. 7, 1951 he married Marian Postma in Rock Valley, Iowa. They farmed near Rock Valley for five years and then rented farm land near Larchwood, Iowa for one year. In 1958 they purchased a farm two miles west of Pipestone in Sweet Township where they farmed until he retired and had a farm sale on Dec. 13, 1989. They continued to reside on the farm until April 2000 when they moved into Pipestone.

Marvin was diagnosed as having kidney disease several years ago. He had been on dialysis since March 1997.

He was a member of the Christian Reformed Church in Pipestone where he served as an elder and a church deacon.

He is survived by his wife Marian, Pipestone; four children, Clare (Chris) Veldhuizen, Edgerton; Evonne (Richard) Kas, Woodstock; Harlan (Ann) Altena, Fort Wayne, Ind. and Rodney (Karen) Altena, Pipestone; six granddaughters; six grandsons; three brothers, Sam (Wilma) Altena, George, Iowa, twin brother, Dick (Winifred) Altena, Ireton, Iowa and Louis (Albertha) Altena, Rock Valley, Iowa; two sisters, Julia (James) Blankenspoor, Chicago, Ill. and Marlene Te Slaa, Rock Valley.

He was preceded in death by his two brothers, David and William.

(Hartquist Funeral Homes)