Richard “Dick” Marsh, of Buchanan, was the second oldest of 9 children born to the late Lawrence G. and Marie (Kolhoff) Marsh. Dick was born in Galien, Michigan, but his family moved to Buchanan while he was still young, and he’s been a life-long resident ever since. He loved to go to the St. Joe River and trap, hunt and swim.
Dick graduated from Buchanan High School in 1951. He served his country in the Korean War as part of the 32nd regiment, 7th Division, George Company, including 9 months served on the front. He was a member of the Buchanan American Legion for over 40 years. When he returned from Korea, he went to work for the City of Buchanan, then worked for Electro-Voice until his retirement in 1994.
Dick was an avid dancer, the polka, jitterbug and waltz being his favorites and he even closed out 2021 at a polka dance on New Year’s Eve with family. It was while at a dance, he met his future wife. He married Jacqueline Lee Vetterly on Sept 3, 1955. With the help of his brothers, Dick built their home on Rynearson Road, where they lived together until her death in 2020.
Dick was an extremely handy man, who could fix and build almost anything. He even built a boat in the garage one summer! He loved gardening and could often be found in the back yard tending his vegetable garden in early years and later when it became a flower garden.
Family meant the world to Dick and he would do anything for them. He took great joy just watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He especially loved the technology of Facetime, so that he could see and visit with his out-of-state family members.
Being an avid outdoorsman, he shared that love of camping and fishing with his family and he especially enjoyed his time spent in Alaska. Dick was an avid hunter, using both bow & arrow and guns. He was a member of the Bend of the River Conservation Club for many years and won numerous trophies for his archery shooting. Dick shot his last deer when he was 81 years old.
While in Korea, Dick taught himself to play the harmonica. It was always a special treat when he would bring out his harmonica and play songs for his family and friends, he especially loved playing music with his son Scott around the bonfire.
Dick passed peacefully at home surrounded with family. The family would like to express their appreciation to Grace Hospice, and especially Nurse Amy, for their care and compassion.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Marie Marsh, his wife, Jacqueline Vetterly Marsh and one brother, Jack Marsh.
Surviving are his children, Scott (Cathy) Marsh, Tracy Jacobson, and Gayle (Terry) Younglove. Surviving brothers and sisters are: Gerald (Lois) Marsh, Robert Marsh, Lawrence (Elaine) Marsh, Genevieve (Dave) Lolmaugh, Doris Queen, Ken Marsh and Anita Adams. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
Services will be held on Wednesday, February 16th with visitation 11 – 1, and the funeral service at 1 pm. Private burial will take place at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan.
Posted On: Monday, February 14, 2022 3:58 PM
