Marshall Morris Gooch, 81, 412 8th Ave. S.W., Minot, died on Tuesday, September 26, 2006, in his home from mesothelioma.

Marshall was born on October 31, 1924, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Reginald "Ray" and Hazel (Morris) Gooch. He was raised in Des Moines and graduated from North High School in Des Moines. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in December of 1942, and served with the Second Ring Division at the Battle of Tarawa and with the First Division in Okinawa. He was also stationed in China, New Zealand, Hawaii, North Carolina and San Diego. He received his honorable discharge on February 14, 1946 and returned to Des Moines, where he attended a technical trade school.

Marshall married Clarice "Marie" DeMers on December 22, 1951, in Great Falls MT. They made their home in Minot where he was employed by Northwest Sales and Service before beginning employment as a carman with the Great Northern Railroad in January of 1949. He retired in 1984 following thirty five years with the railroad.

Since 1984 they had resided at Huff Lake in the Turtle Mountains, near the International Peace Garden, during the summer months.

Marshall was a charter member of the Moose Lodge, life member of the VFW and American Legion, and a member of the Golden K Kiwanis Club and Toastmasters. He was a Silver Beaver honoree and named a Vigil by the Boy Scouts of America. He had served as the Sergeant of Arms for the ND Senate and served as the Chairman of the Democratic Headquarters for two elections during the 1980's. Marshall's hobbies and special interests included metal working, welding, woodworking and reading about the Civil War.

His loving family includes wife of 54 years Marie; Children: Jerry (Nancy) Gooch of Minot, Janice (Rick) Fuhrman of Greensboro, NC, Raymond (Robyn Middleton) Gooch of Seattle, WA, Diana (Steven) Lange of Rolla, ND, James Gooch of Petaluma, CA, and Craig (Karen) Gooch of Auburn, WA; Fifteen Grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Marshall was preceded in death by his parents, sisters: Barbara Walters and Jean Gooch, and brother, George Gooch.

Service : Saturday, September 30, 2006, at 1:00 p.m. in the Moose Lodge, Minot.
Interment: Veteran's Section of Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot
Visitation: There will be no reviewal at the request of the family, however friends may sign a memorial register on Friday from 2:00 -7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
In lieu of plants and flowers memorials are preferred to Golden K Kiwanis Club, Trinity Hospice or an organization of the donor's choice.