Marvin J. Prinz, 88, of West Point, died Sunday, January 4, 2026 at South Haven Living Center in Wahoo.  Memorial Mass will be 10:30am on Saturday, January 31 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Reverend James Weeder as celebrant.  Burial with Military Honors will be at St. Michael’s Cemetery with lunch following at the GACC Cafeteria.  Visitation will be Friday, January 30 from 3:00pm to 6:30pm with a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 6:30pm at Stokely Funeral Home.  Family will be present at visitation from 5:00pm to 6:30pm.  Visitation will continue at church an hour prior to the service.  Memorials may be made for Mass Intentions for Marvin.  Arrangements by Stokely Funeral Home.

Marvin “Marv” Joseph Prinz was born on March 6, 1937, the third son of John and Theresa (Stalp) Prinz, joining brothers Oliver and Donald. He was raised on the family farm just outside of West Point, Nebraska, where he learned the values of hard work and community that stayed with him throughout his life. Marv attended Guardian Angels Catholic Grade School and Central Catholic High School.

Marv served in the Army National Guard from September, 1957 – September, 1960.  He began his working life farming corn, alfalfa, and beans and feeding cattle. True to his entrepreneurial spirit, Marv later sold the farm and became a real estate broker and business owner, founding Marv’s 275 and Great Plains Real Estate. Marvy was the definition of an entrepreneur—he loved trying new ventures and always had fun doing so. Marv’s 275 became a hub of excitement in West Point, servicing countless parties, weddings, and anniversaries. As a result, Marv always knew what was going on in town. He also took great pride in helping people buy and sell homes and farms throughout the West Point area.

On July 23, 1959, Marv married the love of his life, Lavaine “Lou” (Ulrich) Prinz. They shared more than 64 wonderful years of marriage. Together they raised four children—Lois, Lori, Mike, and Karen—four kids in five years. Lou often joked that Marv was the fifth child, as he loved entertaining the family with horses, dogs, cats, snowmobiles, a swimming pool, a lake house and boat, and even a horse and buggy. Marv loved his toys and loved making life fun.

Marv and Lou played, coached, and sponsored numerous men’s and women’s softball teams for Marv’s 275, creating many lasting friendships and memories. They traveled to Europe, spent years following the Nebraska football team coast to coast and enjoyed trips to Las Vegas and Colorado for skiing. As Marv would often say, they “had a really good life.”

A devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West Point and the Knights of Columbus, Marv served his community in many ways. He was the auctioneer for the Parish Family Fun Event and the familiar voice announcing parades and rodeos throughout West Point. In 1977, Marv and Lou moved to an acreage one mile outside of town. Their home—complete with a much-loved bar—became the gathering place for countless holidays and celebrations. They also owned The Hanging Tree Western Store and with his special way with horses, was known as a bit of a “horse whisperer”.

Marv’s final employment was selling cars at Davis Auto Sales in West Point, a job he truly enjoyed. His lasting passion, however, was playing cards. He prided himself on being sharp and was especially proud when he “shot the moon.” He was also known for his many beloved “Marvy-isms,” which will live on through family stories and laughter—“You big loafers,” “Bunch of pigeons,” and “Kiss a pig” among the favorites.

As a father and grandfather, Marv was always there for his family. He and Lou shared countless vacations, card games, holidays, sporting events, Creighton and Husker games, and celebrations of grandchildren’s milestones. Trips to each of his children’s homes were always filled with laughter and love. With Marv, fun was always guaranteed.

Survivors include: daughter, Lois & Joe Akers of Granbury, TX, daughter Lori & Martin Guilfoyle of Ft. Scott, KS, son Mike & Kim Prinz of Round Rock, TX and daughter Karen & Johnny Klein of Denver, CO.  He has 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren: Rachel (Akers) & Jason Ferguson of Adel, IA and their three kids, Cayden, Collin, & Carolyn, Ryan Akers & Nicole of Wahoo, NE and their kids Kali and Jameson. Stephen Akers of Alexandria, VI, Nick Akers & Megan Akers of Clarkston, MI (expecting a girl in March), Christin Guilfoyle of Denver, Anna Guilfoyle of Bentonville, AK, Kyle Prinz & Jen of Hutto, TX and their son Aden, Carolyn (Prinz) & Art Vela of Round Rock, TX, Jeffrey Prinz of Round Rock, TX, and Charlie Klein at the Univ. of San Diego, CA.

Marvin was preceded in death by his wife, Lavaine “Lou” Prinz on November 19, 2023.