Andrew "Andy" Marz

Andrew Marz was born April 15, 1935 to Johann and Anna(nee Mueller) Marz. Growing up in the small town of Mucsi, Hungary, he was the youngest child in the family, with George, his older brother, and Magda his older sister. Andrew became an avid soccer player and fan growing up with former U.S national team player and coach Bob Gansler. With Germany being defeated in World War 2, anyone of German descent in Russian occupied areas of Hungary, were forced to give up their land and belongings and migrate to Germany. A westbound train took the refugee family to war torn Germany and another small farm town of Gemunden. Andrew’s dad would find work and shelter for the family with one of the native farmers, while the kids attended the local school. Being the son of a blacksmith, Andrew enjoyed the idea of working with his hands and decided to pursue the woodworking trade. Andrew’s father found other employment opting to move the family to Hattersheim, Germany. In the summer of 1958, Andrew attended a local church festival with his friends. With music playing, Andrew noticed a woman on the other side of the room at the festival, there with one of her girlfriends. He decided to ask her to dance. His good looks and charm were hard to resist, so she agreed to dance. A year later, Andrew would marry that woman, the love of his life, Maria. Andrew and Maria’s first child, Petra, was born in Germany in 1962. Maria’s brother and employment brought the Marz family to Winnipeg, Canada, two years later. Canada, was too cold and not to the liking of Andrew, so after one year, further south they headed to Milwaukee, where Patricia, 1967, and Peter, 1971, were born. Patricia was diagnosed with Leukemia in 1969. Medications and therapy were not as advanced as current ones, and in 1973, she lost the battle at the young age of six. Andrew continued to hone his woodworking craft, working full time at TJ Hale Company and doing side jobs on the weekend for extra money. The end result of this was to build a family home in the Town of Lisbon. Christmas, 1985, would be a particularly hard holiday to celebrate, being that Andrew would lose yet another daughter, his oldest, to an automobile accident. Andrew maintained a positive attitude throughout his life’s tribulations. He was a joyful man, always having a corny joke ready or a short story to tell. He was social, loved dancing, and made friends everywhere he went. His favorite times, however, were those spent with his grandchildren, Benjamin and Gabriella, whom he adored. In his basement, countless hours were spent making special projects for Mom and Dad and outside, tractor rides were given around the yard. One of his favorite drinks was Jagermeister, an herbal concoction liquor made in Germany. So many can attest to this, as he poured shot after shot, in celebration, to guests at Peter and Jackie’s wedding. Andrew was a very detail oriented craftsman, gifted in working with wood. He used those skills not only at his full time job, but in the construction of his home and in the remodeling and building of Peter’s homes. That interest and ability to work with his hands and love of tools would be passed on to his son. On August 8th, 2019, Andrew passed away at the age of 84, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s, reunited with his daughters. He showed commitment and love right up until his last days with us. Marz, Andrew "Andy" Found peace on August 8, 2019 at the age of 84. Beloved husband of Maria (Nee Barth) for 60 years. Loving father of the late Petra, the late Patricia, and Peter (Jacqueline). Loving Opa of Benjamin and Gabriella. Further survived by relatives and friends here in the U.S.A as well as Germany and Canada. Andy was a devoted family man who enjoyed bowling, bicycling and travel. An accomplished wood worker, he excelled in his cabinet making trade, working for TJ Hale for 25 years. Visitation at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, 7963 S 116 St Franklin, on Wed. August 14, 3 - 4:45 PM. Funeral mass to follow at 5 PM.