Marvin J. Gilman

June 11, 1935 - September 6, 2020

Marvin J. Gilman, age 85, of Golden Valley, passed away on September 6, 2020. Preceded in death by his parents Isadore and Freida Gilman, wife of 55 years, Randy Gilman, sister Betty Harris, brother-in-law Manny Himmelstein, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Hal and Arlyne Cramer. Survived by sister Anne Himmelstein, children Betsy (Eduard) Michel and Kenny (Laura) Gilman, grandchildren Sam and Carly Michel, and many nieces and nephews. Marv appreciated his special friendship with Lana Pommer-Helmke who supported him throughout his illness. Marv grew up in Omaha, NE. He attended Central High School and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where he met Randy. He graduated with a business degree and was a big supporter of the school and its football program. He loved his Huskers football team and attended games until very recently. Marv was a proud veteran and served in the U.S. Army in the late 1950s. After discharge, he was a successful salesman at IBM, Control Data, and Ramtek, where he was recognized with numerous awards for his work. Marv was a true Renaissance man. He and Randy loved music and travel. One of their favorite pastimes was teaching art history and jazz history to their fellow cruise ship passengers. They were seen at the Lake Harriet bandshell almost every weekend in the summer enjoying big band and classical music. Marv loved all sports, but the Pittsburgh Pirates were his favorite team. Growing up, he would listen to their games on the family’s radio in Omaha. He would attend Pirates spring training in Florida and befriended the team’s players, coaches, and executives. Marv started playing pickleball before it was popular. He loved biking and going on road trips with his Miata group. For the last 15 years he volunteered at Jefferson School and the School of Engineering and Arts, helping to teach reading to 2nd graders. Marv’s family was most important to him. He loved planning and attending family reunions and making sure that the younger generations were close. He and Randy developed a special relationship with their grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Marv will be remembered for his love of family, humor, persistence, his athleticism, his love of jazz, and his Pittsburgh Pirates fanaticism. But most of all, he lived life to the fullest, on his terms, and was grateful for the amazing life he had. Marv’s family is indebted to the staff at Methodist Hospital, Alex, Ivy, Dede at Independent Home Care, Carolyn O. and Jenny and her staff at The Breck Home for their outstanding care. You all treated Marv like he was your father and we will be forever grateful. Zoom funeral service 11:00 am on THURSDAY, September 10th and Zoom SHIVA 7:00 pm on Thursday Sept 10th. Email [email protected] for zoom link. Memorials preferred to Randy and Marv Gilman Scholastic Aid Fund at Temple Israel.