Donald Joseph Marisch

Donald Joseph Marisch, 96, of Grand Island passed away on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. Service and a celebration of Donald’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday at All Faiths Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Grand Island City Cemetery with military honors provided by U.S. Navy and Grand Island Veterans Honor Guard. There is a visitation on Monday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Donald was born on February 11, 1928, to Vern and Mary (Montgomery) Marisch, at their home east of Spalding, NE. The family moved to the “Home Place” SW of Spalding, which was purchased from Mary’s parents, when Donald was two weeks old. There he and his siblings were raised. He attended rural school, walking to school with his lunch in a syrup pail until he started high school as a freshman at Spalding, NE. Donald and his brother saved their money to buy a 1930 Model A Ford Coupe for $100 so they could drive to school. Donald was an excellent student and excelled at sports. He graduated SHS Class of 1945. On February 7, 1946, Donald enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged in December of 1947. The following year he took flying lessons and received his private pilot’s license. By his own admission, he was always learning new things and trying and doing many types of work. Through mutual friends, he met Karen Mortensen, and they were married on April 15, 1951. The couple farmed in Greeley County, near Spalding on the Marisch farm. The drought and depression of the mid-50’s forced the young family to look for employment on the west coast. Donald was employed with the Route F Tunnel construction in Oregon, on Route 126. He was given the honor of drilling the final “hole-through” to daylight at the other side of the tunnel. Following his father’s tragic death, they moved back to Nebraska where Don and his brother Robert resumed the family farming operation. There he and Karen raised their two children, Melinda and Mark. As a family they made time for many fun and happy occasions. They took many trips as a family and Don and Karen enjoyed square dancing, which they participated in for many years. They became very involved in the Presbyterian Church of Spalding and Don became an Elder, helping with church repairs and engaging in the community. The Marisch land was sold and Don and Karen moved to Grand Island in 1975. Don became employed with O’Hara Plumbing Company. He later became a driver’s license examiner, of which he was very proud. Don’s survivors include his children and their spouses, Melinda (Kendall) Wilhelmy and Mark (Linda) Marisch; four granddaughters, Megan Esch, Marisa (Kyle) McClintock, Stacia Shaneyfelt and Jessica (Evan) Bodtke; great-grandchildren, Addison, Brooklynn and Jaxson. Other survivors include, sister, Lois Goss; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, Karen in 2019; his parents; brothers, Robert Marisch and Leon Marisch; and grandson-in-law, Mike Shaneyfelt. Memorials are suggested to the United Veterans Club.

Donald Joseph Marisch

February 11, 1928 - December 3, 2024

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Donald Joseph Marisch

February 11, 1928 - December 3, 2024

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

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