JOHN KELLY MARSH
September 16, 1918 ~ May 5, 2011

John Kelly Marsh, age 92 of Duluth, MN, formerly of Park Rapids, MN peacefully passed away on Thursday, May 5, 2011 at the Bayshore Nursing Home in Duluth, MN.
John was born on September 16, 1918 to John and Ellen Marsh in Rochester, MN. He was raised in Pine Island, MN where he graduated from high school. As a teenager, he worked in his father’s harness shop and ran his own shoe sales business. He then became a projectionist in the theatres in Rochester and Austin. It was in Austin that he met and married Anna “Irene” Schradle on October 23, 1947 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church. In 1962, they purchased the Rapids Motel and moved to Park Rapids. He worked many jobs including Great Plains Gas and Zirkle’s Machine Shop. In 1976, they moved to their home on Fishhook Lake. Then, in 2003, they moved to Duluth. John was a member of the Eagle’s Club, Knights of Columbus, St. Peters Catholic Church and Holy Rosary Catholic Church. He was a loving husband and father, always taking care of his wife and children, putting their needs first. His family and friends were his greatest treasures. Whether it be a large or small gathering, he always enjoyed company. It didn’t matter who you were, he had time to visit with you. He had a passion for the outdoors, hunting and especially fishing. There was nothing better than being on the water, whether he was baiting a hook, taking a fish off, telling a story, giving out his fish patty recipe or catching a fish. Then afterward coming home to clean the catch and have a fish fry. We will miss his positive outlook on life, including his sayings: “If you can’t laugh at life, it’s sad.” and “Life is all about memories, make some good ones.”
He is survived by his son, John G. (JoAnna) of Vadnais Heights, MN; his daughter, Mary Anne (Bruce) Boyer of Duluth, MN; one granddaughter, Cassandra (Jeremi) Stein; brother-in-law, Pete Dieser; many nieces, nephews, other family and friends.
John is preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Irene.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, May 13, 2011 at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Park Rapids, MN with Father Thomas Friedl officiating.  The soloist will be Annette Haas, singing .  Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, May 12, 2011 at Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN and for one hour prior to the services at the church on Friday.  The family of John would like to thank Aftenro and Bayshore for their excellent care and loving kindness shown to our dad. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Mayo Foundation, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905.