Dwight Marshall

Dwight was a man who could always find something to do at the farm! Busy fixing an old piece of equipment was something that he enjoyed! Chasing cows, mending fences could be a full-time job for him. From the time he was a teenager, Dwight farmed the Marshall Family Farm in Greene County, and in his later years, his wife, Jenny, was by his side.   

Dwight Nolan Marshall was born Oct. 24, 1951, at Spencer to Lyle and Hellen (Morey) Marshall. He was the second child born into their family of four children. Dwight attended and graduated from East Greene Community School District in 1969. He then attended Iowa Central Community College and got a degree in mechanics.

He entered into the United States Air Force May 1, 1973, and was honorably discharged April 13, 1977. He then enlisted in the National Guard and served until Oct. 24, 2011, attaining the rank of sergeant first class (E-7).

He married Jenny Swansen on March 5, 1983. To this union, two children were born:  Jonathan and Leanna.

Dwight was commander of American Legion Post 417 of Paton. His many duties as commander included conducting the annual Memorial Day service and flag decorating of the Paton Twp. Cemetery.

Dwight passed away of complications of ALS on Aug. 9 at the veterans’ hospital in Des Moines. He was 69 years of age.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Hellen Marshall; three brothers-in-law: Joe Swansen, Steve Evans and Mike Fisher; and his niece, Rachel Fisher. He was also preceded by his father and mother-in-law, Dean and Gladys Swansen.

Dwight is survived by his wife, Jenny Marshall, of Paton; his children: Jonathan (Laura) Marshall, of Paton, and Leanna Marshall, of Jefferson; four grandchildren: Logan, Alina, Aiden and Karson; his siblings:  Linda Evans, of Johnston; Lynn (Kathy) Marshall, of Dana; and Sharon Fisher, of Dana; sister-in-law Lynnea (Dave) Smith, of Clay Center, Kan.; nieces; nephews; other relatives; and many friends.

A funeral service was held Aug. 13 at the First United Methodist Church in Jefferson, with words of comfort by the Rev. David Arulnathan of Salem United Methodist Church, Paton.

Recorded music included “Let it Be” and “Golden Slumbers” by the Beatles; “Scars in Heaven” by Casting Crowns; and “Born to be Wild” by Steppenwolf. 

Honorary bearers were Rex Wilson, Vaughn Bauer, Jay Tasler, Craig Fillman, Larry Fatka, Dale Crouse and Jack Frederickson.

Casket bearers were Dave Cunningham, Pat Cunningham, Paul Sealine, Daryl Carlson, George Erickson and Tim Olson.

Interment was in the Paton Twp. Cemetery, with military rites by the Air Force Honor Guard and Churdan American Legion Post 198.

Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, Jefferson, assisted the family.