Obituary for Earl Gene Marsh
Earl Gene Marsh, beloved pastor and former educator, peacefully passed away on Thursday, April 21st, in Midland with his children by his side. He was 76 years old and resided in Coleman.
Earl was born in Fairmont, MN, on June 14th, 1945, to parents Charles Marsh and Gladys (née Rittenhouse). His earliest, favorite memories were fishing with his nephews, who were like brothers, and reading ALL of the books in the children’s section of the public library before embarking on the rest. His desire to connect with family, his curiosity and love of learning, as well as his passion for reading stayed with him throughout his life.
Those interests and innate passions led him to two bachelor’s degrees and his pursuit in graduate school. While working towards his first bachelor’s degree, he met the beautiful and gregarious Claudette Mahar. Their relationship was founded on their love of God and having fun, laughing, and playing practical jokes. That foundation remained steadfast throughout their life together until Claudette passed away in May of 2001. Their children fondly remember their partnership in all things.
Earl was a very popular 6th Grade teacher in Mankato, MN, before going into ministry full-time as an Assemblies of God minister in Apple Valley, MN, followed by Coleman, MI, where he has served as Senior Pastor since 1990. His approachable nature, kind heart and friendliness to others always made an impact on those he encountered, both in church as well as in the community, where he also served on the city council. He loved spending time with people which made “quick” errands an impossibility as he would strike up a conversation and connect with everyone that he met.
A devoted husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather. He said that his family was a huge source of joy. He and Claudette infused their home with unconditional love, unwavering support, and humor. He continued this after she passed. His wise cracks and funny sayings will always make his family laugh.
Earl played the piano and violin. He loved reading (he always read several books at the same time: history, Shakespeare, spy and mystery novels were his favorites). He was always eager to learn/try new things (including taking up roller blading in his 50’s and classes in Aikido). He loved traveling and adventures big and small.
A devoted husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather, Earl was preceded in death by his loving wife and best friend, Claudette, his parents and his six siblings. He is survived by his son, David Marsh and his husband, Christopher Cormier, of Bedford, NY, and his daughter, Angela Johnsen and her husband, Otto Johnsen, of Coleman, MI. He is also mourned by his two grandchildren who were the apple of his eye, Adrianna Johnsen and Jack Marsh-Cormier.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, April 26th, from 2-4pm and 6-8pm, and a funeral service will be on Wednesday, April 27th, at 11am. Both will be held at the Clark Family Funeral Home on 114 South Bradley St, Mt. Pleasant, MI.
Earl was born in Fairmont, MN, on June 14th, 1945, to parents Charles Marsh and Gladys (née Rittenhouse). His earliest, favorite memories were fishing with his nephews, who were like brothers, and reading ALL of the books in the children’s section of the public library before embarking on the rest. His desire to connect with family, his curiosity and love of learning, as well as his passion for reading stayed with him throughout his life.
Those interests and innate passions led him to two bachelor’s degrees and his pursuit in graduate school. While working towards his first bachelor’s degree, he met the beautiful and gregarious Claudette Mahar. Their relationship was founded on their love of God and having fun, laughing, and playing practical jokes. That foundation remained steadfast throughout their life together until Claudette passed away in May of 2001. Their children fondly remember their partnership in all things.
Earl was a very popular 6th Grade teacher in Mankato, MN, before going into ministry full-time as an Assemblies of God minister in Apple Valley, MN, followed by Coleman, MI, where he has served as Senior Pastor since 1990. His approachable nature, kind heart and friendliness to others always made an impact on those he encountered, both in church as well as in the community, where he also served on the city council. He loved spending time with people which made “quick” errands an impossibility as he would strike up a conversation and connect with everyone that he met.
A devoted husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather. He said that his family was a huge source of joy. He and Claudette infused their home with unconditional love, unwavering support, and humor. He continued this after she passed. His wise cracks and funny sayings will always make his family laugh.
Earl played the piano and violin. He loved reading (he always read several books at the same time: history, Shakespeare, spy and mystery novels were his favorites). He was always eager to learn/try new things (including taking up roller blading in his 50’s and classes in Aikido). He loved traveling and adventures big and small.
A devoted husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather, Earl was preceded in death by his loving wife and best friend, Claudette, his parents and his six siblings. He is survived by his son, David Marsh and his husband, Christopher Cormier, of Bedford, NY, and his daughter, Angela Johnsen and her husband, Otto Johnsen, of Coleman, MI. He is also mourned by his two grandchildren who were the apple of his eye, Adrianna Johnsen and Jack Marsh-Cormier.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, April 26th, from 2-4pm and 6-8pm, and a funeral service will be on Wednesday, April 27th, at 11am. Both will be held at the Clark Family Funeral Home on 114 South Bradley St, Mt. Pleasant, MI.