Marion L. Gertsch, 83, of North Platte passed away December 22, 2015 at his home as he would have wanted.

He was born July 3, 1932 to Calvin T. and Mattie C. [Pilling] Gertsch, Columbus, NE.  Marion graduated from Lincoln North East High School in 1949, entered the military and served with the Navy from January 1951 until his honorable discharge on November 3, 1952. He was united in marriage to MaryLou Parli on August 1, 1953 in Lincoln Nebraska.

Marion served as a Boy Scout leader, a 4H club leader, he was also a member of the Lincoln County Fair board and various other organizations.  He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. He retired after 31 years of service from the Soil Conservation Service in December, 1989.

Marion is survived by 4 children, David [Donita] Gertsch, Plattsmouth NE; Douglas [Marie] Gertsch, North Platte; Dwight [Sandy] Gertsch, Chandler AZ; and Dawn [Chuck] Kincaid, North Platte; grandchildren, Stephanie Gertsch, Ross Gertsch, Steven [Michelle] Gertsch, Brian [Janae] Gertsch, Jenna [Chris] Gertsch-Wood, Maxwel Gertsch, Sarah Brown, Lindsey [Mike] Richards, Wes [Randi] Kincaid, ten great grandchildren, his sister Ellen [Ken] Weller and brother, Russell [Norma] Gertsch, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, MaryLou in 2000, an infant sister, 4 brothers, Clyde, Wayne, Jack and Lester Gertsch, and his sister Alice Dietrich.

Graveside services will be 11:00 am Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery with military honors graveside. Visitation will be from 1 to 8 Tuesday with family receiving friends from 5 to 7pm at Carpenter Memorial Chapel.

Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com.