Marsch, Roland (1938-2008)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2008 Nov p. 33

Birth date: 1938 Jan 14

text of obituary:

ROLAND MARSCH

Roland Marsch died July 17, 2008. He was born Jan. 14, 1938 in Schwelm, Germany, to Christian and Rahel Marsch. The fact that his parents "dragged me to every evangelistic campaign possible" was the foundation of his relationship with Jesus. In 1958, having completed an agricultural apprenticeship, Roland immigrated to Canada with the intention of becoming a farmer. After several attempts to rent land of his own failed, he decided to attend Coaldale Bible School, where he met Lorina Hubert. They were married June 23, 1962. Roland graduated from MB Bible College, Winnipeg, and ministered in Canada, and then Germany, after the congregation chose Roland by lot to be their pastor. Roland and Lorina returned to Winnipeg to pastor North Kildonan MB Church. During this time he graduated from Providence Theological Seminary. Roland served as conference minister for the Canadian Conference from 1986-1990. He pastored at Portage Avenue MB Church until 1997 when Roland and Lorina heard God's call to Dresden, Germany. Two years of ministry followed at the end of which they returned to Winnipeg, where Lorina died of a brain tumor. Roland married Irene Loewen in 2000 and spent the following 6 years as pastor at North Kildonan MB Church. Roland's ministry ended with a diagnosis of cancer in 2007. Predeceased by Lorina and 1 sister; Roland is mourned by Irene; children Bob (Hilde), Susan (Walter) Jakobeit, Judy (Peter) von Kampen; 11 grandchildren; 3 siblings. The funeral was July 22 at North Kildonan MB Church.