Marshall R. Guenther of Umatilla died on Sept. 28, 2017 in Hermiston at the age of 80.
He was born on July 7, 1937 in Beatrice, Neb. to Henry and Lena Wise Guenther.
He was raised and attended school in Beatrice, Neb. He joined the United States Navy and served during the Korean War until his honorable discharge. He moved to La Grande, where he met and married Joan Gerdes. He worked as a truck driver for Union Pacific Railroad for 30 years. They moved to Umatilla in 1990, where he had lived since.
Marshall and Joan owned and operated the Plaza Bakery and Deli for a time before he and son Butch went to work at the Kinzua Mill in Heppner, where they worked until it shut down. He and Butch then owned and operated M & G Ornamental Iron Shop in Hermiston until he retired.
Marshall was an avid fisherman; if the fish were running in the river, he was there fishing. He enjoyed hunting, and just last year he was blessed with a very nice bull elk that he harvested. He was a devoted and loving husband, dad and grandpa. He cherished the time he had with his family, especially his grandchildren, and he enjoyed time with his many friends. He was very outgoing, easily connected with people, and soon found a new friend. He was always concerned about his family and friends and wanted them to be taken care of, with no regard for his own wellbeing.
A graveside funeral service with military honors will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2017 at 10 a.m. at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Please sign the online condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
