Gerald David Marshall entered into rest on Dec. 31, 2021, at the age of 98 years, 6 months, 7 days. Gerald was born June 24, 1923, on a tenant farm by Old Town, near Missouri Valley. The family moved to Willow Park in Missouri Valley before his first birthday. He graduated from Missouri Valley High School class of 1941. His was the first class to graduate from the new Auditorium on 7th street, now used as the bus barn. After graduation Gerald worked at Axtell's Furniture Store and studied engineering at Graceland College in Lamoni, for one semester before enlisting in February 1943, to serve in WWII. He served in the South Pacific in the Army Air Corps until December 1945. He served his entire 34 months without a leave or three day pass. After serving his country he continued to work at Axtell's Furniture until 1960. Gerald then began working for the State of Iowa as a maintenance worker, plowing snow, working on the roads, cutting grass, putting up signs, you name it. He retired on Jan. 1, 1986, after 26 years. Gerald married Evelyn Lenora Lizer on March 21, 1948. They lived in Willow Park near his family until they began their family and needed a bigger house. They eventually moved to Third street and had five children, losing their baby girl Nancy at birth. Gerald lost his first wife Evelyn on March 3, 1999, after a lengthy battle with cancer, just days before their 51st anniversary. Gerald continued to live in the same house until he was 90 years old enjoying being with his children and their families, going to the casino, fishing, playing cards, walking all over Missouri Valley, mushroom hunting and coffee in the mornings at the Rand center. Gerald married Evelyn Marie Lynch on Jan. 4, 2013. They moved to an independent living apartment by Longview Nursing Home.
Gerald was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Andrew Marshall; mother, Grace Mabel (Smith) Marshall; first wife, Evelyn Lenora (Lizer) Marshall; baby daughter, Nancy Marshall; brother, Joseph Arnold Marshall; and sister-in-law, Beulah (Walker) Marshall.
He is survived by wife, Evelyn Marie (Lynch) Marshall, Missouri Valley; sons, Paul (Nancy) Marshall, Woodbine, Robert Marshall, Pleasantville and Roger (Julie) Marshall, Missouri Valley; daughter, Debra (Bill) Marshall Young, Council Bluffs; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Visitation and funeral service were held Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022, at Hennessey Funeral Home in Missouri Valley. Pastor Connie McWilliams officiated. Nancy Marshall was the organist and Rex Gochenour was the vocalist. The vocal selections were “There’s an Old, Old Path”, “Amazing Grace”, “Nearer My God to Thee”, and “In The Garden”. The honorary bearers were Maggie Marshall, Bryan (Marjorie) Knoch, CJ (Jess) Kraushaar, Matt (Hannah) Kraushaar, April Karstetter, and Josh Karstetter. The casket bearers were Tim (Staci) Marshall, Katie (Cory) Preston, Lisa (Nick) Dozier, Nick Marshall, David Knoch, Julie (Gary) Loyd, and Jennifer (Chris) Steele.
Military Honors were conducted by Offutt Air Force Base and Woodbine American Legion Post.
The family would like memorials to be made out to Generations Hospice.
The final resting place is at Rose Hill Cemetery in Missouri Valley.
Arrangements made by Hennessey Funeral Home Missouri Valley. www.hennesseyonline.com
