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Wendell Marshall

Lead Summary

Wendell Duane Marshall, 94, West Linn, Oregon, formerly of Hills, died Friday, June 4, 2021 in West Linn.
Wendell’s life will be celebrated in a private family ceremony at a later date.
Wendell was born on Dec. 7, 1926, to John and Henrietta (Speelman) Marshall in Hudson, South Dakota. Like so many of his generation, his life was shaped by the Depression and World War II. He served as an infantryman in the Philippines.
 Wendell graduated from Hudson High School in 1944 and got his undergraduate degree from Northern State University in Aberdeen and his master’s degree from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion.
Wendell married Donna Mae Katus on Feb. 15, 1947, in Minneapolis.
Wendell’s first position was high school principal in Bucyrus, North Dakota, where he later became superintendent. He also held the position of superintendent in Harrold, Buffalo and Burke, South Dakota. He taught seventh-grade history in New Mexico for three years before heading to Minnesota to serve as superintendent in Barrett and Hills-Beaver Creek.
During retirement Wendell and Donna enjoyed time in Iowa, Pacific City, Oregon, and Indio, California, before returning to Oregon for the remainder of their lives. Donna passed away in 2010.
Wendell was a lifelong learner and an unrelenting advocate for public education.
Wendell is survived by his children Mark Marshall of Garrison, Gary (Gwenie) Marshall of Hawley, Kent (Colleen) Marshall of Barrett, Jeff (Brenda) Marshall of West Linn, Oregon, Jane (Barry) Kirsch of Riverside, Iowa, and Viki (Jay) Meier of Cedar Bluff, Iowa; 23 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; and a sister, LaVonne House.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Donna; a daughter, Judy Vogelgesang; a sister, Arvilla Vipond; and two brothers-in-law, Curt Vipond and Mel House.
(0610 F)

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