Marvin Hole

On February 18th, 2022, Marvin Alton Hole went home to be with the Lord, surrounded by the love of his wife and family. Marvin was born February 24, 1926, to Anne (Wagner) and Alton Hole in Detroit, MI. Marvin grew up in Pontiac, MI attending Daniel Whitfield School where he formed many lifelong friendships. In 1944, shortly after graduating from the Florida Military Academy in St. Petersburg, FL, Marvin was inducted into the U.S. Army Infantry, supporting the WWII Allied efforts in Europe.

Marvin joined Patton’s army where his regiment worked alongside Artillery units to eventually drive the German army behind their borders and win the European conflict. Marvin earned two bronze stars, rifle sharpshooter status, and with his unit earned the Distinguished Unit Citation for their heroic efforts. Marvin finished his military service with the Army of Occupation in Schwäbisch Gmünd with a rank of Tech 4.

Following the war, Marvin attended the University of Michigan, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial mechanical engineering. Marvin began his career in tool and die design and moved on to become a manufacturer’s representative, mostly for makers of coil handling and press room equipment. Throughout this time, Marvin founded, owned, and operated other businesses, including an industrial brake firm that continues today.

Following the first fuel crisis in America, Marvin founded Aluminum Blanking Company, Inc. in 1979, with the vision to provide lighter-weight automotive panels that would improve gas mileage across vehicles. ABCO continues to serve the automotive industry today, as well as other industries in need of surface-sensitive blanks. Marvin remained active in his company for over 42 years, serving as chairman until his death.

Marvin met the spark and love of his life Barbara (Sanders), and they married in Detroit, MI on August 27, 1956. They have five children, fourteen grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, all of whom he adored and to who he will always be a hero. Marvin was a hard-working father and husband, yet with his wife, Barbara, he cultivated a loving and fun-filled life for his family, creating a home that was a welcome place for friends and relatives.

Marvin will be remembered as wise, strong, and dependable, while also remaining peaceful, gracious, and very humble. He never ceased to believe the best in others and offered support and encouragement to many in both his personal and professional lives. His quiet kindness and deep generosity were far-reaching. He was an innovative, brilliant engineer who could design, build, or repair anything. He loved swimming, golf, sailing, and other outdoor sports, but mostly handball. He loved being a “blackballer” at the Detroit Athletic Club and the longstanding friendships he made there, eventually sharing his love of the game with his sons and grandsons. He and his wife, Barbara, also loved to travel, especially spending the winters in their home in Florida or touring the country in their motorhome. His steadfast presence, endless creativity, and sly sense of humor are already missed by all who knew him.

Marvin is preceded in death by his parents, several close cousins, dear friends, treasured handball buddies, and son-in-law Michael Anderson. He is survived by his wife Barbara, children Lee Ann Hole, Rick Hole, Laura (Bruce) Anderson Staszak, Dee Dee (Don) Niles, and Scott (Sheila) Hole; grandchildren Isaiah Hole, Matt Hole, Whitney Hole, Christina (Isaac) Blitchok, Jesse (Allie) Anderson, Eric Anderson, Alec Anderson, Erin Niles, Taylor Niles, Nick Niles, Christian Hole, Courteney Hole, Casey Hole, and Cody Hole; and great-grandchildren Claire Blitchok, Jude Blitchok, and Lona Anderson. He is also survived by beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.  Services will be held Friday July 1, 2022 beginning with military honors at the Great Lakes Military Cemetery in Holly, MI at 11:00 a.m., immediately followed by a life celebration and lunch at The Holly Vault, 202 S. Saginaw, Holly, MI.  In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make contributions to some of Marvin’s favorite causes:  USO, 100 Club of Detroit (or other chapters) PO Box 1018, the Wounded Warrior Project, or Hillsdale College.