Jeanne L. Marsh
December 8, 1927 – January 23, 2021
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 6 at 11:00AM at Southern Heights Christian Reformed Church in Kalamazoo, MI. A live-stream of the service can be found at www.facebook.com/SouthernHeightsChurch A visitation will take place at the church beginning at 10:30 AM prior to the service. The family would like to express their deep appreciation for the amazing staff of Bickford, who made her feel so at home in her final years. Memorials may be directed to Habitat for Humanity, 121 Habitat St, Americus GA 31709, or Camp Tecumseh YMCA “Marsh Scholarship Fund,” 12635 Tecumseh Bend, Brookston, IN.
Obituary
Jeanne Lois Marsh, 93, of Kalamazoo, passed away on Saturday, January 23, 2021. She was born on December 8, 1927 to Henry and Lois (Miller) Gauger in Geneva, IL. After becoming a registered nurse, she went to work for Camp Northstar near Hayward, WI, where she met the love of her life, Richard Marsh. Dick and Jeanne spent most of their married life as director and nurse/cook at various camps, impacting lives of thousands of young people, and eventually retiring from YMCA Camp Tecumseh in Indiana. Jeanne has spent the last 23 years in Kalamazoo enjoying time spent with her grand-children and great-grandchildren. Jeanne’s deep Christian faith was the source of her love for others and her assurance of everlasting life with Jesus. She was loved deeply by her family and friends and though she lives on in our hearts will be missed here on earth. We will miss the laughs and times we shared on road trips, cooking and eating meals, playing games, watching birds and just being together. She spent her last several years at the Bickford Assisted Living Center of Portage. In the words of Bickford director, Janna Ritter, “Her ever-present cheerful smile and big heart brimming with concern for each and every person who crossed her path. The acts of kindness that came so easily for her and her gentle words of assurance for others in need were simply her expression of the love and joy she embodied.” Jeanne is survived by her sister Susan (Lawrence) Fleenor, daughter Merrilee (Dan) Sarkipato, daughter Bonnie (Jeff King) Marsh, and son Rick (Lynn) Marsh, grandchildren Ernie (Kristen) Sarkipato, Andy (Erica) Sarkipato, Rachel (Tim) Decamp, David Sarkipato, Lucas (Gillian) King, Kyla (Kevin) Beavers, Ben (Jamie) Marsh, Adam Marsh, Jacob (Bethany) Marsh, 12 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Jeanne is preceded in death by her parents, her husband (Dick), and brother (Howard).
I knew Jeanne from volunteering at Lending Hands. I absolutely loved her kind spirit. She always had a smile and kind word. She was a dear. Sorry for the loss but what a legacy she leaves behind. God received an angel.
Even though I’m not related, I have known Jeanne for so long (over 50 years) that I feel as though I am. She was the epitome of grace and class, a fine example of having a strong faith in Jesus, She will be missed and is with the angels. RIP,
My heart is filled with sadness to learn that Jeanne has passed away. She and Dick opened their home for me in Camp Tecumseh when I was an exchange student from Norway in Delphi back in 1982. I have called them Mom and Dad ever since. I got to revisit them in 1993, shortly before Dick passed away, bringing my son for them to meet. The kindness and love that they both showed me has meant a lot to me. Jeanne and I kept in touch through annual Christmas letters and more lately through facebook. Mom Jeanne will stay in my heart forever. May she rest in peace.
So sorry to hear about your Mother’s passing. She lived next to my Mom, Marge, at Bickford and told me she was always keeping an eye on her. If she heard a noise during the night she would get out of bed to check on her. I always enjoyed talking to her. Diane
I knew Jeannie and Dick through camp Tecumseh. They were the kindest most welcoming people. Sending much love and prayers to her family as they celebrate her beautiful life. I’m sure there was a joyous reunion in heaven!
Tanna and I extend our condolences to Jeanne’s family on her homegoing. I had the privilege of serving as Jeanne’s pastor during her years at Kalamazoo Wesleyan/Lighthouse Community Church. She was a precious lady, and a wonderful sister in Christ. She loved the Lord, her church, and her family deeply. We moved from Kalamazoo in 2009, but were able to stay in touch with her through Facebook. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
I met Jeanne when my mother was a resident at Bickford. Jeanne was always so kind and sweet to both my mother and to me. She always had a smile and would check up on my mother to make sure she was doing ok. I so appreciated her befriending my mother and spending time with her. My mother passed away but Jeanne left a positive impression on me and I have thought about her from time to time even though I no longer live in Michigan. She was truly a sweetheart.
many wonderful memories of Jeanne and the Friday mornings we spent working together at Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes-rest in peace my dear friend
Sending prayers for comfort and peace as you grieve the death of your mom, grandma, and great grandma. What a wonderful legacy that lasts forever for a humble, sweet, gentle soul. A friend to all. She lived her faith in the Lord by being His servant everyday. We grieve with hope in life eternal, which is now hers. Love and hugs to all, John and Vicki Baas