Marvin Van Wyck

Marvin L. "Marv" Van Wyck, age 81, beloved husband for 46 years to Helen, nee Hoekema. Devoted son of the late Marcus and Adriana Van Wyck. Dear brother of Robert (Ann) Van Wyck and Ruth (late George) Heeringa. Fond brother-in-law of Dorothy (Roger) Graham, David (Susan) Hoekema and the late Jim (Alice Vaughan) Hoekema. Dear uncle and great uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Marv was impossible to dislike. He had a ready wit, a friendly way with everyone he encountered, and a zany, sometimes irreverent sense of humor. He was also a person of substance who called out injustice and advocated for those on the margins. He was discerning and genuine; a friend recently called him “a Micah 6:8 Christian.”

Among Marv’s favorite things were biking, photography, baseball, and travel. He was always on the lookout for a good deal or a coupon. His Facebook friends know that for years he faithfully chronicled the life cycle of the Lake Katherine swans in photos. His last day among us included a 7- mile bike ride with stops to photograph daffodils in the park in Palos Heights.

Throughout their 46 years of marriage, Marv was Helen’s biggest fan, attending far more concerts than most non-musicians should ever have to endure. His support for her was unwavering -- in good times and bad, in sickness and in health. He had an uncanny ability to forge friendships -- not just with those who shared his interests, but also with people whose livelihoods were very different from his own. Marv’s loss will be felt deeply by his and Helen’s wide circle of friends. Our comfort is that he has been welcomed home on Easter weekend in Resurrection hope.

Relatives and friends are invited to Marv's burial at Fairmount - Willow Hills Memorial Park, Willow Springs, IL on Friday, May 9, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. Please meet inside the gate at 95th Street & 104th Avenue. Visitation will follow at Colonial Chapel, 15525 S. 73rd Ave. (155th/Wheeler Dr. & Harlem) Orland Park, IL from 3-8 p.m. A memorial service to celebrate Marv's life will be held at Hope Christian Reformed Church, 5825 W. 151st St., Oak Forest, IL on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to:

1. The Helen and Marv Van Wyck Community Choral Scholarship at Trinity Christian College CLICK HERE FOR ONLINE DONATION
.. or go to http://www.trnty.edu/give and pull down the scholarship from the drop-down menu.

2. Lake Katherine Nature Preserve CLICK HERE FOR ONLINE DONATION (there’s a pull-down menu for memorial donations)

Below is a photo tribute celebrating Marv's life.



Express your thoughts and condolences at colonialchapel.com 708-532-5400