Marvin L. Tomber

Aug 4, 1925 - Jan 26, 2000

OKEMOS - Marvin Tomber died of pneumonia Wednesday morning, January 26th. He was born August 4, 1925 in South Bend, IN.

Marv received his B.S. from Notre Dame University in 1946 and his Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Pennsylvania in 1951. His first teaching appointment was at Amherst College, MA. He came to Michigan State University in 1955 where he taught in the Mathematics Department until his retirement in 1993. He book published in a number of papers and a book in addition to his research, devoted much energy to his students in Lyman Briggs College, the Honors College and the Department. He helped to establish the Mathematics Library and it remained a particular interest of his.

Marv had enormously wide interests and talents. His passions included skiing, sailing, gardening, photography, travel, cooking and a love of working with tools, both creating and fixing things. An original critical thinker, he loved music and the theater, writing about his travels and reading on a wide variety of subjects. He was engrossed by naval history of the 18th century and literature relating to it and all details of life of the period. He shared this enthusiasm with others all over the world.

He took delight in life all his days. Marv brought his whole being to everything he did with a persistence of will, a sense of humor and complete devotion to his family. Although he did not use words easily, when he spoke he gave understanding and support to his family and friends and his insights and his life will be an inspiration and source of strength for them throughout their lives. He will be greatly missed and remembered by those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Beany; his daughters and son-in-law, Susan (Bill) Fulton of Catalina, AZ and Roberta Tomber of London, England; brother and sister-in-law Robert and Dolores Welber and their children of New York City, NY; and sister-in-law, Dot Feldman, of South Bend, IN and her daughter and granddaughter.

Memorial services will be held Friday, January 28, 11 a.m. at Congregation Shaarey Zedek, 1924 Coolidge Road, East Lansing with Rabbi David A. Lyon, officiating. The family will receive friends following the memorial service at the synagogue. Those wishing may make contributions in memory of Marvin Tomber to the University Development Office for the Mathematics Library, Michigan State University, 4700 S.

Hagadorn, East Lansing, MI 48823-9982. The family is being served by the Gorsline-Runciman Co. East Chapel, East Lansing.

Lansing State Journal Lansing, MI, 28 Jan 2000

Sources: Ancestry.com and Newspapers.com

10/14/2026 EJS