Francis W. Marshik

Francis W. Marshik was born on October 11, 1937, in Hillman, Minnesota to parents Henry and Ann (Tomala) Marshik.  He was the third of five sons.  Fran graduated from Father Pierz Memorial High School in 1955.  In April of 1956, he enlisted in the United States Navy, and for four years he served aboard the USS Shangri-La.   Fran loved sports and when he returned, he played baseball for Center Valley.  He drove up north for many weekends to play even after taking a job in the cities.  He was hired by Gould (GNB) in 1961.  Over the course of his tenure there, he received many awards and recognitions for outstanding service.  He retired from GNB in June of 1997.

Fran and Phyllis were married in 1963, and were blessed with six children.  In 1969, they moved to Circle Pines where Fran resided until his death.  Fran’s love of sports carried on through his children as they were involved in all sorts of activities.  He spent many seasons coaching his daughters’ softball teams and although he couldn’t skate, he even coached Darin’s hockey team for a few years.  He was always ready to help prep ballfields and flood or shovel the outdoor ice rinks.  Fran spent many nights in the backyard playing catch with his kids even teaching Amy how to pitch a softball.  She spent three successful years pitching for the College of St. Mary’s, before choosing to study abroad her senior year.  

Fran’s passion for the outdoors was evident in many of his hobbies.  He enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, and walking.  He taught all of his children to hunt and properly shoot a gun, and he spent many weekends hunting with his boys.  He tried to walk everyday and many times in the winter could be seen donning his famous blue snowsuit which he owned for over 50 years. 

Fran and Phyllis were blessed with seven grandchildren over the course of many years and they were their pride and joy.  They traveled many times to Michigan to attend Cole, Jessica, and Alex’s various events.  He taught Jessica how to pitch and although Cole was right-eye dominant, he taught him how to play sports left-handed. He was very proud to be present when Cole shot his first deer.   Locally, he was a regular fixture at Sydney and Addie’s soccer games as well as their performances in the arts.  This past season he was very proud to watch Charlotte play softball and beamed about how good she was.  

Fran and Phyllis loved to travel and never hesitated to jump in the car when an opportunity presented itself.  Phyllis would not fly so they drove everywhere.  They traveled to most of the lower 48 states, almost all of the National Parks  and made many trips to Las Vegas as Fran’s love of the casino grew after he retired.  More recently, they were able to travel twice to Charleston, SC, to attend Cole’s naval graduation ceremonies.  The first coincided with their 55th wedding anniversary and the second took place on the USS Yorktown.  Fran was able to tour the ship after the ceremony and he reminisced about his time in the Navy.  He shared with us the planes that he worked on which were on display on the flight deck.  

Fran’s wit and love for his family will be dearly missed by his wife of 60 years, Phyllis; his children Brian, Michael, Kathy, Daniel, Amy (Robert), Darin (Nicole).  Grandchildren Cole, Jessica, Alexandra, Sydney, Addison, Charlotte and Maike.  Siblings Gene (Jeanne) and Jerome.  As well as many loving nieces and nephews and their children.

Fran was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Ann; siblings Virgil and Hank.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM Tuesday, December 19 at St. Joseph of the Lakes Catholic Church, 171 Elm St., Lino Lakes, with luncheon to follow. Visitation at the church at 9:30 AM. Private interment at Camp Ripley on Wednesday, December 20.