God has opened up the heavens and proclaimed, son, it is time to come home, your work is done. No more pain, no more suffering. Eternal life is yours as promised.
Services for Richard Marske, 81, of Andover will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 15, at Zion Lutheran Church, Andover. The Rev. Lloyd Redhage will officiate. Burial with military honors will follow in the Andover City Cemetery under the direction of Paetznick-Garness Funeral Chapel, Groton.
Visitation will be held at the church in Andover on Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m.
Richard passed away May 11, 2013, at Sun Dial Manor in Bristol.
Richard Dean Marske was born on Sept. 28, 1931, in Day County to Ernest and Louise (Hayenga) Marske. He was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Andover. After graduating, from Andover High School in 1951, Rich worked on the family farm southeast of Andover.
He united in marriage with Audrey McKittrick on April 12, 1953, at the Pierpont Lutheran Church. Richard was drafted into the U.S. Army in September 1953, and was stationed in Texas; California; and Fort Benning, Georgia. He was honorably discharged in September 1955, and returned home to Andover to farm.
Richard was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and held various positions within. He served as Township Supervisor for over 20 years and was a member of Andover American Legion Post No. 258 for over 50 years. He enjoyed spending time with his family and was an avid sport player and fan. Richard was a man of few words, but was always there with a helping hand.
Celebrating his life are his children: Susan Patton of Andover, Marcia Marske of Aberdeen, DeAnne Marske of Aberdeen, Dennis (Sandy) Marske of Andover, Denise Marske of Aberdeen; grandchildren: Michelle Patton and Mike Patton; and great-grandchild, MacKenzie Patton. Richard is also survived by his sister-in-law, Marie Marske of Marion; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Audrey; one sister, Ruth Marske; and three brothers: Robert, Don and Harry; and his sister-in-law, Leone Marske.
Honorary casketbearers will be all of Richard's friends and family, including his coffee bunch.
Casketbearers will be: Bill LaMee, Jim Kroll, Jim McKane, Brad Morehouse, Tim Olson and Bruce May.
We had you longer than any of us imagined and although it's going to be hard to say goodbye, we know that you have missed mom for a long time and now you can be with each other again, now and forever. Love, your kids.
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