Richard, age 78, passed away Monday, March 26, 2018. He was born August 28, 1939 in Mayville, Michigan; the oldest son of Dr. Earl F. Marden, DDS and Ila Marian (Smith) Marden. His family moved to Saginaw about 1942 where Richard resided most of his life. He was a 1957 graduate of Saginaw High School and attended the University of Michigan in the Fall of that year. His college days were short lived and he soon started working for Saginaw Steering Gear, GMC. He retired from there in 1998 with (39) years seniority. He worked as a Skilled Toolmaker. In 1962, he joined the U.S. Army Reserve: 5089th Reception Station based in Saginaw. He served in that unit until 1968 and obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6). In 1968 he received from that unit a "Certificate of Achievement" in recognition of outstanding service. He married Gale Ann Cherry on August 31, 1968. They were blessed with two children: Douglas David and Wendy Marie. The lives of his family are recorded extensively in a daily "Journal" he kept since 1970. Richard enjoyed many out-of-doors activities but mainly golf. He was not proficient at it but kept trying. He was very active in the Masonic Fraternity. He was a member of Salina-Pioneer Lodge #79 located in Saginaw, Michigan and served as Master of that Lodge in 1980 and other years. He was Editor of the "Masonic News" for many years and was at one time a member of Elf Khurafeh Shrine, Bay City Consistory, Commandery, Royal Arch Masons and Order of the Eastern Star. Surviving besides his wife Gale are their children: Douglas Marden; Wendy Tortorella, grandchildren: Leland, Ellie and Sawyer Tortorella; sister Grace Puravs, brother, Allen (Jan) Marden, brother-in-law William Riekels. He leaves five nieces; Deborah, "Debi"; Laura; Pamela, Joanne and Patricia, "Patti"; also three nephews, Eric, John and David. Richard was predeceased by his son-in-law, Gene Tortorella and his sister Claudette Riekels. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at W.L. Case & Company Funeral Chapel 201 N. Miller Rd. Saginaw, MI Rev. Dennis Kucharczyk will officiate with burial later in Evergeen Cemetery in Omer, MI. Friends may visit with the family at the funeral chapel on Monday from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. where Salina-Pioneer Lodge #79 will conduct a Masonic Memorial Service at 7:00 p.m.
Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company
201 North Miller Road
Saginaw, MI
United States 48609
