Gregory George Marzolf Sr., a loyal man and true gentleman, born October 22, 1947 in St. Paul, MN passed away after a yearlong struggle with Pulmonary Fibrosis on January 5, 2021.
Greg grew up in St. Paul, son of George and Faye Marzolf, attending St. Leo’s, STA and UST where he made friends that lasted a lifetime. . He spent the days of his youth on the ski slopes, a passion which ran deep, and water skiing the St. Croix at the cabin he built with his father. After serving in the Air Force Reserve and his ski-bum days in Idaho, he met the greatest gift of his life, Patty. He was instantly in love and was quick to propose, he knew a good thing when he saw it. Marrying on October 7, 1972 was the beginning of an inspirational ride.
In 1979, Gregory Jr. was born and the journey into parenthood began. Eventually welcoming Patrick and Jennifer, their family was complete. They created a home filled with an abundance of friends and memories. Greg, taking on his role as pool boy, brought joy to his kids with every splash. Ever the road warrior, Greg manned the wheel of the family’s red VW van for yearly cross country vacations. Greg was an ever-present father at all of his children’s activities; the only time he raised his voice was to cheer on his 3 kids.
Greg made a friend in every room he entered with an easy smile and open hand. Through the arthritic pain and health challenges life brought him, he never once complained. Whether as a furniture rep or a mortgage banker, he was well respected and admired. His days hunting and fishing with his buddies were full of missed shots, empty live-wells and lots of stories. Greg, as the resident weatherman, announced when sunny or stormy days were ahead to anyone who would listen. He didn’t need much more in this life than time with Patty. They created a haven on Marion Lake, a respite for their family to gather. The beaches of Marco called to them in the spring, where they cheered the sunsets with their Johnny Reds.
Greg’s greatest love was his family. Welcoming sons-in-law Derek and Craig to the nest, fulfilled his dream of seeing his children truly happy. Gramps, as Fitz and Meta knew him, was an avid reader of “Goodnight Loon”. His grandkids gave him pure and abundant joy. There wasn’t enough time, but his memory as the gentle, true, and easy going Gramps will live forever. He stood with his family in the fight for marriage for all and working toward a cure to Muscular Dystrophy. As they say, progress is made by standing on the shoulders of giants, and it was on Greg’s strong and broad shoulders that his family stood.
Survived by his true love, Patricia, children Patrick Marzolf (Derek Thurmes) and Jennifer (Craig) Myhre, and grandchildren Fitzgerald Marzolf-Thurmes and Meta Myhre. Siblings, Debra (Kendall) Smith, Daniel (Fritzi) Marzolf, brothers-in-law and nieces and nephews. Friends from St. Paul and St. Gregory’s will always be a part of Greg and the entire family. Preceded in death by son Gregory Marzolf Jr. and brother Timothy Marzolf.
Due to restrictions at the time, a public funeral to honor Greg wasn't possible. Please join us for a Memorial Mass Thursday, July 22nd at 4pm at Lumen Christi Catholic Church, 2055 Bohland Ave. St. Paul, MN 55116. Memorials preferred to the Greg Marzolf Jr. Foundation.
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