Richard E. Marenger

Richard “Dick” E. Marenger, age 93, of Escanaba, passed away Saturday morning, September 26, 2020 at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain, MI. He was born on September 13, 1927 (the same year the family bought the Holstein cow) in Cornell, MI, the son of Edward and Irene (Jolly) Marenger. Dick was raised and attended school in Cornell. He was a 1945 graduate of St. Joseph Catholic High School in Escanaba where he lettered in all sports. Dick enlisted in the U.S. Navy on September 12, 1945 and served during WWII until he was medically discharged from the service. Six months later, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served his country until he was honorably discharged. Dick’s father, Ed, founded Escanaba Machine Shop and in 1972 was taken over by the three sons, Dick, Wallace, and Harold. The company stood behind all of their machinery – except their manure spreader. Dick was a partner in Escanaba Machine Shop for 25 years until his retirement in 1997. He was a longtime member of St. Joseph and St. Patrick Catholic Church in Escanaba, 70 year member of the Knights of Columbus, a life member and past president of the Escanaba Eagles Club, member of the Escanaba Elks Lodge #354, member of the Escanaba Lions Club and received the Melvin Jones Fellowship 2001-2002, and was a member of the local AMVETS #123. Dick was also a member of Players de Noc in Escanaba and was part of many play productions including; 1776, Kiss Me Kate, and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. In his younger years, Dick enjoyed playing softball for the White Birch Tavern. He was a huge Green Bay Packers fan and season ticket holder at Lambeau Field. Dick enjoyed playing his famous pogo stick, he volunteered to play Santa Clause for the local schools and families, he played The Pope on many occasions, and had a great sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Dick E. Marenger is survived by his fiancé of 40 years, Kay Maynard of Escanaba; two sons, Daniel McDonough of Mackinaw City, MI, and Michael (Cherie) McDonough of Cincinnati, OH; two daughters, Stephanie (Ray) Hockstad of Milton, MI, and Valarie (Ken) Bellows of Wells; 7 grandchildren; 3.1 great-grandchildren; sister, Mary (Gerald) Beauchamp of Wells; sister-in-law, Mildred Marenger of Danforth; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his brothers, Harvey, Wallace, and Harold; and sister, Pearl Bittner.

A public Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 5:00 p.m., Friday, October 2, 2020 at St. Joseph and St. Patrick Catholic Church in Escanaba with Father Timothy Ferguson officiating. A social gathering will be held at the conclusion of the services at the Escanaba Eagles Club. Burial and Military Honors will take place at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 3, 2020 at Escanaba Township Cemetery in Flat Rock. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials please be directed to the Escanaba Eagles Club or the Escanaba Lions Club. 

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