William P. Marsh

Born in Waterloo, Iowa on June 26, 1950
Departed on January 5, 2012. Resided in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Memorial

William P. Marsh, 61, died of cancer peacefully in his home Thursday, January 5th 2012. Bill was born in Waterloo, IA on June 26, 1950, the first son of Ruth Toothman Marsh and Leo John Marsh. He grew up in Evansdale, IA, and graduated from Waterloo East High School in 1968 and Hawkeye Institute of Technology in 1970. With the Vietnam War raging, he was drafted into the Army and trained as a Radio Operator. He was deployed to the US Military base in Neu-Ulm Germany, where he spent his entire military career.

Upon his honorable discharge from the Army in 1973, he returned to Iowa and married Cynthia Hohlfeld Johnson. He then completed his education at the University of Northern Iowa, followed by an internship at the Mental Health Institute in Independence, IA.

Bill began his career in substance abuse counseling in 1976 at Lakeside Treatment Center in Marion, IA and was a member of the founding team of Sedlacek Treatment Center at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids. He became the Administrative Director of Sedlacek in 1980 and continued in that capacity until 2003. Bill completed his professional career as Program Director for the Meskwaki Alcohol and Drug Abuse Center for the Sac and Fox Tribe on the Settlement in Tama, retiring in 2008.
Bill enjoyed all sports and adventures. He ran marathons, went on many golf and motorcycle trips, and learned to skydive. He took great joy in attending all his children’s sporting events, musical events and graduations; there was never anything more important! He was so proud of his children. He treasured the time he spent with his grandson, Jake, attending all his events, and the limited but precious time he had with grandchildren, Adelle and Hayden.

While raising his family in Marion he served on the Marion Civil Service Commission for many years. During the past 3 years he was a Small Claims Mediator for the Sixth Judicial District Court, volunteered at the Noelridge Park Green house, and served on the Board of Directors for the Beaver Creek Association.

He is survived by his wife, Cindy; son, Ira Marsh and wife Courtney and grandson Hayden Marsh, of Ann Arbor, MI; daughter Kathryn Wallace and husband Allen, and grandchildren Jake Brandt and Adelle Wallace, of Marion, IA.

He is also survived by his father, Leo Marsh of Marion; sister Elaine Winberg and husband Randy of Urbana; brother Ken Marsh and wife Kathi of Cedar Falls; brother L. J. Marsh and wife Mary Ann of Connecticut; sister Barbara Crabtree of Arizona; father- in-law, Joe Hohlfeld of Cedar Falls; mother-in-law, Therese Sloan and husband Ken of Mountain Home AR, as well as many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Toothman Marsh.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, January 16th at Cedar Memorial. The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 6:30pm. Celebration of life and sharing of memories will begin at 6:30pm led by Bill Sackett.
The family requests no flowers. Gratitude is extended to Erin, Lolly and the St Luke’s Hospice team, where contributions may be directed.

Visitation

Service