Marshall Junior McGuire passed away peacefully at the age of 87, on September 9, 2023 at Sequoia Springs Assisted Living in Fortuna. He had been under the care of Hospice of Humboldt. Marshall was born on February 4, 1936 in Mikado, Michigan to Marshall James McGuire and Pearl Bowlsby McGuire who have both preceded him in death. The love of his life and wife of nearly 60 years, Ellen Henretty McGuire also preceded him in death.

Marshall led a vibrant life. After meeting Ellen in High School at a summer camp, they were married before their second year of college. After graduation from Graceland, a two-year school at the time, he worked as a fire lookout during the summers while his first two children were born. They moved to Lansing, Michigan and he worked in the State Police Station while he completed his Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture. He taught vocational Agriculture in Whittemore, Michigan for six years. He then obtained his master’s degree and went to work for the Michigan State University Cooperative Extension Service for Alcona County for six years.

He went back to teaching for a couple of years before he became the vice-principal for Sanilac County Career Center. When he was eligible for Michigan retirement, he and Ellen moved to California to be closer to some of their kids (and leave the snow). After substitute teaching for a short time, he went to basic training and became a Correctional Officer. He was one of the early hires for Pelican Bay in Crescent City. Marshall and Ellen retired for the second time and moved to Redcrest in 1995.

Throughout his life he loved to serve and help the people around him. He was the elected Mayor of Lincoln, Michigan, he was pastor of multiple Community of Christ churches, and assistant to the District President. He was even on the Board of Directors for Happy Valley Campground. He was a seasoned cook, a great gardener, an avid woodworker and furniture maker. The saying in our family was always “Dad can fix anything”. Except maybe saunas… he almost burned down two houses from the saunas he built. 😂

Marshall and Ellen loved Jesus and they loved to travel together. They spent many of their years traveling the world. He said he only regretted that he never got to see Thailand. Together they saw most of the US, including Alaska and Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, Caribbean, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, Europe, Scandinavia, and Russia. He taught his children and grandchildren the love of travel too. He was always up for a card game or a friendly bet of an ice cream cone. He always stood up for himself and others. He loved well and lived life to fullest. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.

He is survived by six of his seven brothers and sisters. His brother Donald McGuire also preceded him in death. His surviving siblings include Christena Fox (Thom, deceased), Deloris White (Edward), Darlene Kuenzli (Ronald), Darrell McGuire (Shari), Sharon Stephens (Warren) and Roland McGuire (Debbie). He is survived by brother-in-law Thomas Henretty (Ava), and preceded in death by sister-in-law Francis Mack and husband Eugene. He is also survived by dozens of nieces and nephews.

His children Valdeen Childs (Robin), Cheryl Nichols (Steve), and Douglas McGuire (Denise) survive him. He is preceded in death by son Terry McGuire. He also leaves seven grandchildren. Kara Childs, Rebecca Stewart (Zach), Lillie McGuire, Caska McGuire (aka:Beau), Megan Rollf (Jared), Kayla Roggenbuck (Nick), Kory McGuire (Courtney). He also had five great-grandchildren Jayden, Jensen, Grant, Gavin and Jenson.

Celebrations of Life will be held at Faith Center in Eureka on September 23, 2023 at 2 p.m. and Mikado, Mich., Community of Christ Church, on October 21, 2023 at 1 p.m. with internment at Mikado Township Cemetery to follow. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice of Humboldt at 3327 Timberfall Ct, Eureka, CA 95503 or your favorite charity.

The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Marshall McGuire’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.