1923 – Iris Virginia Marshall – 2020
Iris Virginia Marshall was born August 14, 1923, to Gustav and Louisa (Rupp) Hubin in Rose Hill Township, rural Westbrook, Minnesota. She attended Country School District #51 and graduated from Westbrook High School in 1941. Iris was baptized and confirmed at the Rose Hill Mennonite Church on April 10, 1938. She was a Licensed Practical Nurse and received her training at the Tracy Municipal Hospital, through Lawrence Michigan School of Nursing. Her 60-year nursing career began at the Ashton Memorial Hospital in Pipestone, Minnesota for three years. Iris continued her career for 57 years at Dr. Henry Schmidt Memorial Hospital/Sanford Westbrook Health Center in Westbrook. On April 13, 2006, Iris was recognized for 55 years of service at the Westbrook Hospital and she retired two years later, at the age of 84. On December 21, 1945, she was united in marriage to Joseph A. Marshall, of Ghent, Minnesota at Trinity Lutheran Church in Westbrook. The couple lived in Ghent for two years, before returning to Westbrook in 1947. This union was blessed with eight children. Iris was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church for 75 years, where she was involved in circle groups, Bible studies, and WELCA. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, a Cub Scout Leader and in 1951, a founding member of the Clara Barton Club, which continues to this day. In 1987, Iris began attending annual reunions of the World War II 439th Army Battalion. These reunions were held throughout the United States and were a highlight of her life as she renewed enduring friendships of Joseph’s fellow comrades and their spouses. In 2002, Iris fulfilled a dream with a trip to New Hof, Austria, when she visited the birthplace of her father and her Mennonite heritage. She continued to be an active member of the Mennonite cemetery board in Westbrook, where she held the position of director for many years. Her knowledge of and ability to recount historical facts kept the spirit of our ancestors alive in our souls. Iris’ gentleness, kindness, and integrity will be remembered by not only the many patients she cared for but to all who knew her. She always told her children that it is good for everyone, and she truly found the good in all. The table setting was a staple, one more helping was two scoops, and no one ever left a visit with Iris, feeling hungry in body, mind or soul. Iris passed away Tuesday, February 11, 2020, at the age of 96.
Iris is survived by her eight children: Rebecca Connolly, St. Paul, MN, Kathleen (Dennis) Thompson, Rapid City, SD, Gregory (Diane) Marshall, Sioux Falls, SD, Elizabeth (Randall) Swan, Westbrook, MN, Jeffery (Deborah) Marshall, Salt Lake City, UT, Priscilla (Steven) Comnick, Westbrook, MN, David (Stacey) Marshall, Riverton, UT, and James (Alison) Marshall, Marshall, MN; 20 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; niece Marilyn (David) Wolf; and nephew Marlo (Kim) Hubin. She was preceded in death by her parents Gustave and Louisa; husband Joseph; brother Milton and wife Edna Hubin; sons-in-law Vernon Peschges and Dennis Connolly; niece Marlene Hubin Gleason, and nephew Merlyn Hubin.
Memorial Services were held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 15, 2020, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Westbrook. Interment will be in the Westbrook Cemetery at a later date. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Westbrook Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
