Joe 'Jody' Marsh, 50

Jody passed away March 18, 2009, after a short but strong battle against cancer.

Jody was born Jan. 7, 1959, in Kalispell, to Jerry and Donna R. Marsh of Kalispell. Jody was the youngest of three children with two brothers, Fred and Lyle. He grew up with many aunts and uncles and cousins in the valley. He had a great childhood and would talk about the many things he did as a child. When he was very young he worked at his Dad's service station, The Rainbow Texaco in Kalispell. He met many people and formed an amazing bond with his family.

At age 17, Jody joined the Navy. He graduated high school while stationed in the Philippines. He did not serve during war time; however, he often shared many of his journeys that the Navy provided for him. While his service in the Navy took him all around the world, he eventually returned to his native and beloved home, Montana.

While back home in Montana, Jody formed many lifelong friendships. He was a very kind and gentle man who loved and lived life to the fullest. He joined the Kalispell Jaycees in 1988 where he met his wife, Debbie. He served as the local chapter president later in his membership. Jody and Debbie traveled across the state, attending many Jaycee functions and meeting many new friends.

Jody found employment at the Department of Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Hungry Horse Dam. He liked his job and the people he worked with. He often joked about being one of the Dam People who got all federal holidays off with pay.

Later, Jody and Debbie got married. He was her husband, soulmate and best friend.

Jody was an avid NASCAR fan and would try to watch all of the races. He really did not have a favorite driver. He also loved cars, especially his 1940, all-original Dodge Business Coupe. He knew every make and model of cars, whether new or old. Wherever he would go he would recognize people by their vehicle. For many years he belonged to car clubs and would go to car shows and poker runs. Over the years he had other obligations that took him out of the clubs, but he still loved cars. On a recent trip, he visited a huge auto museum in Illinois. As we walked through the many warehouses of cars, he would know the car, tell me how many were made, the duration of the model and every fact about that vehicle.

After the diagnosis of his illness, Jody and Debbie took adventures that led them to many beautiful parts of the United States. His gentleness touched the hearts of everyone he met. He will be missed by all.

Jody was preceded in death by his dad, Jerry Marsh.

Jody is survived by his wife, Debbie, of Kalispell; his mother, Donna R. Marsh, of Kalispell; brothers, Fred Marsh and wife, Lynne, of Missoula, and Lyle Marsh of Kalispell; children, Jeri Ann Marsh and Richard Haven, of Kalispell, and children by marriage, Robert Stroh and Moriah of Colorado, Richard Stroh of Missoula, Matthew Stroh and Tizzy of Colorado, Elizabeth Thibert and Brandon of Kalispell, and Melissa Sessou; and many friends of children who briefly called our house home; grandchildren, Odette, Elijah and Alora Stroh, Mackenzie and Bailey Stroh, Trevor, Jacob, Kassidy and Makayla Stroh, Kaidin, Dilin and Xaidia Thibert, and Karmen taLena Danae; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Whether he was called Sweetheart, Joe, Jody, Dad or Papa Joe, he will always be loved and very much missed by us all.

No service is planned at this time, however, a celebration of life will follow at a later date not yet determined.