Marvin J. Gum

Marvin J. Gum 88 of Peru died July 8, 2025 at home. Marv was born July 21, 1936 in Witt, KY to John and Lillian (Riddell) Gum. He married Cecele “Sissy” Kulpa July 20, 1957 in Peoria. Marv was a 1954 graduate of New Carlisle High School in Indiana. He worked as an operating engineer and was a proud member of Operating Engineers Local 150 for 68 years.

Marv was a life-long learner, who loved sharing his knowledge and experience. He exhibited a strong, yet warm presence that influenced his family and friends. He took great pride in his family and enjoyed spending time with them. His insights, stories, wit, and humor will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, and will not be forgotten….as profoundly expressed by his seven year old great grandson, who upon being told of his death by his mother stated, ”you know mama, legends never die.”

Marv enjoyed living in Peru his entire married life with his beloved wife Sissy. He built his home and took great pride in its upkeep. Outside of work he was a collector, who was very astute in finding value or beauty in numerous items he acquired at auctions and through personal relationships. His interests evolved through the years, from antique cars to Illinois Valley memorabilia, toys, windmills, clocks, and lamps….among other things. He was also a tinkerer, who enjoyed fixing things and restoring collectibles for his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. A visit to Grandpa Marv’s was often accompanied by a unique surprise from Marv’s Barn…..marbles, coins, carvings, scooters, books, etc.

He always enjoyed conversations with his good friends and neighbors, and his frequent visits to John’s Place for lunch.

Marv is survived by his three children, Tina (Tom) Jaskowiak, Scott (Margaret) Gum, Lynne (Dave) Mateer; six grandchildren, Julia (Art) Singarajah, John (Sooji Park) Jaskowiak, Mary Kathryn (David) Cannon, Caroline (Clayton) Goeken, Owen (fiance Alexandra Jordan) Talbott, and Lucas Gum; six great grandchildren, Jack, Rory, and Lily Singarajah, Charlie Jaskowiak-Park, James and Leah Cannon; two siblings, Charlotte Newcomer and Ken Gum.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Sissy (2016), and his parents John and Lillian Gum; and two brothers, Joe Gum and William Gum.

A private burial will be in St Valentine Cemetery. Ptak Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at PtakFH.com