- Date Of Birth: October 31, 1942
- Date Of Death: November 8, 2021
- State: Michigan
Marsh, 79, died unexpectedly November 8, surrounded by his loving family.
Marsh was born on Halloween, 1942 to Marshall Gideon and Hazel (Howell) Draper in Port Huron, MI. He spent his childhood years in Port Huron where he loved joking about his Halloween birthday, and being doted on by his loving parents and sisters Peggy (15 years older) and Betty (19 years older). His father died when he was 11 years old.
He remained in Port Huron through junior college. Marsh transferred to Ferris College where he pursued a bachelor’s degree in computer science. He married while in college. As a graduate in the newly emerging field of computer programming, Marsh was eagerly sought for his skills and began a rewarding career at The Upjohn Company immediately following his graduation.
Marshall settled in Kalamazoo for his new job, and there he welcomed his two wonderful children into the world, Marshall Jacob and Greta Anne, sharing in their interests and activities. He later divorced, but always remained a loving and devoted father.
On October 18, 1985, Marsh married Joyce Wisser (who always referred to him as “the love of her life”), and was quickly embraced by her large and loving family. Joyce’s family was close-knit and enjoyed weekly visits, countless card games and lots of laughter. Marsh fit right in and became a treasured member of the extended family.
In 1994, Marsh retired from his position at The Upjohn Company but continued on as a valued consultant to the company (later Pfizer) for several more years. He loved his “Upjohn family” and maintained ongoing friendships with dozens of coworkers. Friends were like family for Marsh and he loved to reconnect. Marsh’s propensity for making friends knew no bounds. Whether in a grocery aisle, at a check-out counter or even in a parking lot, Marsh would strike up a conversation. He just loved people.
Marsh was a committed member at St. Catherine of Siena parish in Portage where he served on the counting team and was active in the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Marsh served with a tender sense of compassion for those less fortunate. He knew, but for the grace of God, he could just as easily be in their shoes. In years past, together with Joyce, he was also very involved with Marriage Encounter Ministries.
A man who cared about others, Marsh was always ready to listen to a story or share one of his own. He had a great sense of humor, demonstrated by the fact that he always read the newspaper starting with the comics first. Sharing in Marsh’s unique sense of humor and reliably joining in his humor-filled antics was his brother-in-law, Jeff, whom Marsh referred to as his “brother by another mother”. They were great friends.
Marsh was a most loving husband and best-friend to Joyce and he will be dearly missed. He was also a loving father to Greta, always there when she needed him. Known as “Gramps” to his granddaughters, Savannah and McKenzie, the two girls brought him boundless joy.
Marsh was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-laws; his son Marshall Jacob; his sisters and their spouses, Peggy (Bob) Tutt and Betty (Bob) Miller; and his brother-in-law, Mike Wisser. He is survived by the four loves of his life: his wife of 36 years, Joyce; daughter Greta (Bill) Wilbur, and granddaughters Savannah Draper and McKenzie Wilbur. Also surviving are many who called Marsh “Uncle”, across three generations, and countless friends.
