Loren Marsh

LOREN D. MARSH, age 69, of Worthington, MN passed away peacefully on August 22, 2019 at The Sanford Worthington Sunset Cottage after his long battle with liver disease.

Loren was born to Cecil and Edna (Clausen) Marsh in Worthington on April 5, 1950. He lived his entire life in Worthington. He was drafted into the US Army in 1969 and served in Vietnam from February 1970 to March 1971 earning many medals including The Purple Heart and The Bronze Star. Loren married Glenis Reker on July 8, 1972. One year and one day later (July 9, 1973) they welcomed daughter Pamela followed by daughter Christa on 7-7-77. Loren always joked that he never had the chance to forget his anniversary because his girls would never let him!

Following his return from Vietnam Loren continued to serve in the Army National Guard until 1983. He attended Jackson Vocational Technical College for mechanics. Loren had a number of jobs before he spent 28 years working for the US Postal Service. Loren loved his job as a Letter Carrier and at one time or another walked every city route in Worthington. He estimated he walked 35,000 miles in his career. He retired from the US Postal Service in 2008.

Loren was a kind, caring, generous man who believed in helping his community. Loren was an active member of the Optimist Club, serving as Secretary, President, Lieutenant Governor and Gambling Manager and was an Optimist of the Year. He was a member of the Elks Lodge serving as secretary and Exalted Ruler on two different occasions. As an Elk he was the recipient of the Elks National Veterans Service Award. He was also a member of the VFW, the American Legion, the 1st Cavalry Division, and the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Loren volunteered often at the Luverne Veteran’s Home.

Loren enjoyed watching the MN Twins both live and on TV. He and Glenis did some traveling and spent much of their time with their four grandchildren. Grandpa attended many of Joseph’s soccer, basketball and baseball games, enjoyed watching Isabelle play softball and went to many piano recitals for both Isabelle and Dominic. Peyton could always make his Grandpa smile and laugh with his endless energy and his blossoming athletic talent. Loren was a proud Grandpa!

Loren is survived by his wife, Glenis Marsh, Worthington; two daughters, Pamela (Dan) Anderson, Tracy; and Christa (Ben) Silver, Eden Prairie; four grandchildren, Joseph Anderson (15) and Isabelle (12), Dominic (10), and Peyton (5) Silver; his mother, Edna Marsh, Shakopee; six siblings, Clayton (Kyong Hui) Marsh, Omaha, NE; Dee Carnahan, Burnsville; Bern (Lisa) Marsh, Shakopee; Judy (Don) Raley, Phoenix, AZ; Sandy Marsh, Worthington; and Rhonda (Len) Laxen, Shakopee; as well as his wife’s nine siblings and spouses; many nephews, nieces, and great-nephews and nieces.

Loren was preceded in death by his dad, Cecil Marsh, an infant sister, Cristina; a brother-in-law, Lance Carnahan; two nieces; and his parents-in-law, Milo and Bernadine Reker.

   Visitation will be from 4-7 pm Monday at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Worthington; and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Funeral will be 11 am Tuesday at St. Mary Church, in Worthington, officiated by Deacon Vern Behrends. Burial will be at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, in Minneapolis, at a later date.

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