John Karl Marsh

John Karl Marsh, 80, of Freeport, Illinois, passed away Thursday, November 7th, in his home surrounded by his loving family. John was born to Walter Marsh and Ida(Coon) Marsh on February 13, 1933. He graduated from Freeport High School in 1951, and then served in the Navy during the Korean War (1952-1956). He married Lorna Ann Donahue on February 7, 1959 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Freeport and they celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary this year. He was employed as a Brick Mason until retirement in 1995 and remained a lifelong member of his local Union. John was a member of St Mary's Catholic Church, and served as a lector and usher for many years before joining St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in 1985. He also provided volunteer services at the Freeport Senior Center, serving as an AARP tax aid for fifteen years as well as providing noon meals for the needy. A longtime member of Golden K Kiwanis, John initially took charge of publishing the monthly Kiwanis newsletter and later served as Kettle Korn Committee Treasurer for 2 years. Throughout his life, John enjoyed helping people in small ways and large, eager to assist family, friends, and strangers alike. A self-taught caning expert, he was the only local resource for this lost art of cane-weaving chairs. He also enjoyed playing Bridge, photography, oil painting, cooking, and fishing when he could find the time. He is loved by many and will be missed by his family, friends, and his community. He is survived by his wife, Lorna Marsh; three daughters; Maureen Marsh of Stockton, Lisa Marsh(Lisa Watson) of South Pasadena, Ca., and Joan Marsh(Owen Philbin) of Tacoma Park, Md. Two sons; Brian (Michelle) Marsh of Freeport and Kenneth(Raih) Marsh of Melbourne, Australia; and 4 grandchildren (Alice, Brittany, Brandon, and Irene). Also surviving are Earl Marsh of Freeport, Doris Carpenter of Naperville, twin sister Joan Buscemi of Rockford, and Joyce Jegerlehner of Cape Coral, Florida. He was preceded in death by his brothers Ken Marsh of Sterling and Vernon Marsh of Freeport and sister Betty Hofmaster of Freeport. Funeral mass will be Tuesday, November, 12 at 11:00 A.M. at Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 9:30 until time of service at Saint Thomas. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Freeport. In lieu of flowers, a memorial for the FACC and the local Salvation Army food pantries has been established. Please visit www.burketubbs.com to sign the online guestbook.