Marvin Arthur Needler

Marvin Needler died on March 19, 2026. He was born on March 15, 1940, in DeSoto, Indiana. He attended the DeSoto School in Delaware County for 12 years and was awarded the O.W. Storer scholarship upon graduation. He attended General Motors Institute; then transferred to Purdue University, where he received the Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Electrical Engineering; he was awarded the Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering/Systems Science degree from Michigan State University in 1971. He was licensed as a Professional Engineer. Marvin’s teaching career began at the Purdue Regional Campus, Indianapolis in 1964 and continued in the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology, IUPUI until his retirement in 2004. He held the joint title of Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology; he was Chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology for eight years prior to his retirement. He authored a widely used textbook on control engineering technology. During his career, he consulted as a forensic engineer after his academic retirement. He enjoyed doing yard and tree work, home maintenance, woodworking, engine work, playing handball, road running, and piano playing; and he was active in neighborhood civic activities.

Marvin and Priscilla (Cheesman) Needler were married for 67 years. Priscilla and Marvin were classmates at the small DeSoto School for 12 years (not a serious couple until the sixth grade). They married in 1960 and have two daughters, Veronic Needler and Elizabeth Needler, and one grandson, Justin Grimball.

Marvin had two older brothers, Norman (deceased) (wife Judy) and Don (wife Janet), and one younger sister, Maryellen McGregor (husband Jim, deceased), and many nieces and nephews. They enjoyed many years of family gatherings.

Marvin and Priscilla supported the Marvin and Priscilla Needler Scholarship for the benefit of students pursuing degrees in electrical and computer engineering technology, Purdue at Indianapolis, IUPUI. They received the donor award from Purdue in 2016. A highlight of their marriage was their 50th anniversary celebration attended by over 100 friends and family. Marvin and Priscilla resided on the northeast side of Indianapolis, where they enjoyed the charm of the adjacent nature preserve. They traveled widely.

Indiana Funeral Care is honored to be assisting the family with the arrangements for Marvin.