Obituary of Dieter Marschall

July 4, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Dieter Marschall, beloved husband of Marion Marschall (nee Falk), of Calgary, AB, passed away on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at the age of 80 years.

Dieter immigrated to Canada in June 1950 at the age of seven. As young children, Dieter and his sister, Helga Fisher, were orphaned for several years while their parents were enslaved as forced labourers in Russia. After five years of separation, Dieter at the tender age of seven, and Helga twelve, made the long journey to Canada, without knowing any English, to be reunited with their parents, Katharina and John Marschall, in Kitchener, Ontario. In 1962, the Canadian Military brought Dieter to Calgary, AB, where he met the love of his life, Marion. After dating seven years, they were married in 1969, for nearly 54 years. 

Dieter served in the Military for fifteen years as a Corporal. He was stationed in Calgary, Alberta, in 1962. He was also stationed in Egypt and Germany for several years. Dieter was so proud of his time served and would often reminisce about his time in Egypt.

Dieter then graduated from SAIT with a diploma in Heavy Duty Mechanics, and proceeded to work with the same company, Coneco/SMS, for over 35 years. He had an extremely high attention to detail, always kept up with his technology, and often mentored younger mechanics entering the profession.

Dieter was the kindest, most patient husband, father, brother, uncle, and papa. He would do anything for his family and friends and left an indelible mark on those who were lucky enough to know and be loved by him. 

He was a proud member of GA for more than ten years and was the webmaster for the past several years. He was passionate about supporting others and giving back to his community.  Dieter was very proud of his ongoing efforts to support the community, from being a regular blood donor throughout his life, to most recently being a member and volunteer of the 275 Legion, with his wife Marion. Dieter and Marion also previously volunteered many hours with Meals on Wheels until COVID.

Dieter accomplished much throughout his life and was particularly proud of his family. He loved sharing his journey to Canada, his military service, and his passion for space with his grandson Rylan, who idolized and admired him deeply. He was also an avid fan of his daughters’ teams. He coached both Natalie and Sharlene in ringette, and as the girls got older, he enjoyed just being a spectator. Throughout Sharlene’s athletic journey, he remained her biggest and proudest fan, and continued to cheer on her and her team throughout her teaching and coaching career.  

Dieter enjoyed going to dances with Marion and they would often meet up with their friends and dance the night away. The YMCA remained one of his favourite songs, and one of his top song requests, which he danced to at his daughter Sharlene’s wedding in May; he was profoundly proud and honoured to walk her down the aisle. Dieter was also an avid sports fan, loved golf, and frequently said “If I had to do it all over, I would only put my daughters into golf and tennis, at least I could get a return on my money.” Dieter loved to go out for pizza and beer with Marion, which over time became coffee and a donut. His love for Sunday supper was apparent and he loved to laugh. He would frequently have funny emails saved to show his family that his sister or friends had shared with him the week prior.  He and his homemade burgers will be deeply missed at the dinner table. 

Dieter loved to travel, from trips in and around the city, visiting his sister Helga in Ontario, trips to the US, and one of his most memorable vacations to the Maritimes with his wife Marion. They loved going town to town, site seeing and meeting people from all over the world. Their favourite place was Peggy’s Cove.

Dieter will be most lovingly remembered for his kindness, compassion, and ability to fix anything. He could fix or build anything from the ground up. His kind and welcoming smile was there until he fell ill. He never complained about anything and always reminded others about how much they meant to him.

Throughout his life, Dieter remained dedicated to the service of others. He was diagnosed with bladder cancer in May of 2022 and was selected to participate in a clinical trial, which he was very proud of. Throughout treatment, he remained positive, never complained, and repeatedly stated that no matter the result for himself, his ultimate goal of participating in the clinical trial was the hope of helping further research and helping others. Just before he passed, Dieter was thrilled to share with family and friends that he was cancer free.

Besides his loving wife Marion, Dieter is survived by his two of daughters; Natalie, Sharlene, daughter-in-law Sandra, and his grandson Rylan all of Calgary, AB. Dieter is also survived by his sister Helga Fisher of Barry’s Bay ON, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Dieter was predeceased by his loving parents, Katharina and John Marschall, his niece Cindy Antonietti, nephew Larry Falk, brother-in-law Norman Falk, and mother and father-in-law Catherine and Harold Falk. 

The family would like to express their deep gratitude for the care and compassion of the doctors and nurses at the Foothills Emergency Room and Unit 62, and the doctors, nurses, and surgeons of the clinical trial. The family would also like to thank and acknowledge their deep gratitude for the love and support of their friends and neighbours, many who lovingly knew him as Mr. Dieter and Ed. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Bowness Lions Club (8551 Bowness Road, NW, Calgary, AB) on Sunday, October 1, 2023, starting at 2:00 p.m. Light snacks and refreshments will be served.

In living memory of Hans Dieter Marschall, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.