Marvin Kierstead

Marvin Kierstead drew his last breath on New Year’s Eve, 2021. He passed peacefully at age 84 at Georgetown University Hospital in his beloved home of Washington, DC. Marvin was a man of many talents and passions. He loved learning new things, sharing his enthusiasm for his latest discoveries with whomever would listen. He was devoted to his students, having spent many years teaching English as a second language at Ball State, the University of Michigan and Georgetown, and overseas in Saudi Arabia. He pursued a second career as a law librarian (the many colorful neckties they insisted he wear still adorn the necks of his children and friends). Outside of work, he invested time and energy in building sets for musical theater, knitting and crocheting for his kids, grandkids and friends, painting and drawing with a natural artist’s eye and hand, and traveling widely. By hard experience, Marvin was familiar with death and loss, having endured the departures of many friends over the years, not least his life partner, LeRoy Proctor, who died in 1998. Through a local HIV Support group and other outlets, he gave of himself and drew fulfillment from supporting others as they worked through their own pain and recovery. Marvin loved his children, adored his grandchildren and treasured the friends and lunch companions with whom he shared regular meals over the last 25 years. In addition to the aforementioned LeRoy, Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Elexis Kierstead, by two sisters, Jewell Yohe and Lois Howell, and by his grandson, Alexander Kierstead. He is survived by his former wife Judith, their four children and spouses, Steve (Chris) Kierstead, Anne (Sam Bronstein) Kierstead, Jean (David) Muskatel and Alan (Nancy) Kierstead, grandchildren Ryan, Elexis (Lexi), Deborah, Mitchell and Thalia, his sister, Nancy Heer, and many heartbroken nieces, nephews and dear friends. He did not want a formal memorial service and the family is honoring that request. Donations may be sent in his memory to his favorite local classical music station, WETA. Marvin welcomed the vast variety of experience and perspective that the world offers, and taught that the “other” and change are not to be feared or rejected, but encouraged and embraced. May that spirit endure.

Marvin Kierstead

February 2, 1937 - December 31, 2021