Clarence, Mary Marschman November Veterans Of The Month

By Doug KapkeClarence D. Marschman and his late wife, Mary E. (Zimmerman) Marschman, were honored as Jefferson County’s November Veteran’s of the Month on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. In addition, he was presented with a Quilt of Valor and a patriotic wall hanging created by Rory Rosener. Earlier this year, both were also presented with Quilts of Valor. Clarence Marschman was born into a farming family in Jefferson County May 5, 1942. He started grade school at District 86 North of Fairbury, but with only two students the school joined with District 36, near Helvey, for the remainder of his early schooling. He attended Fairbury High School and was a member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA). He graduated in 1959 and joined the Navy several months later. His basic training and any other training were at San Diego, California. He was sent to South Carolina for the remainder of his obligation working as a Dental Technician. His duties consisted of cleaning teeth, taking x-rays and assisting the dentist as needed. Marschman has said that, when he joined the Navy his dad was convinced he had the dumbest kid in the world. However, when the Vietnam War started and his son was safely at home, it seemed that Clarence maybe was not so dumb after all. While in the service E-4 Marschman received the Good Conduct Medal. Mary Zimmerman was also born into a farming family in Morrowville, Kansas, on July 7, 1943. She attended both grade school and high school in Morrowville, Kansas. She was known as an excellent athlete and enjoyed basketball, volleyball and pitching softball. Several months after graduating from high school in 1961 she joined the Marine Corps. Her initial training was at El Toro, California as a Telegraphic Typewriter Operator. Her clerical duties frequently centered on duties in a mess hall. She spent her entire military career insuring that food was available for her fellow Marines. Private First Class Zimmerman received the Good Conduct Medal while in the MarinesAfter the military in 1963, Mary returned to Nebraska and began working at Elgerts’s Supper Club in Fairbury. This is where she met her future husband, Clarence. They married in 1969 and raised two children. From 1969 to 2009 they farmed. Clarence and other male family members handling the field work, and Clarence and Mary shared the 60 sow farrowing operation. Mary had up to 200 chickens at one time and butchered chickens for the family and sold the remainder to others. She was also the gardener, canner and practiced her love of cooking meals for others.Both enjoyed the “Seven Point Pitch Card Club” with neighbors, league bowling and were active in their church.From 2014 to 2024 Clarence and Mary lived in their home in Fairbury. Mary was a 30 year member of the Jansen American Legion Auxiliary, liked to quilt, leader of “Braille Workers” (provided Christian material to the blind), was active in church “Ladies Aid” and worked at the high school cafeteria for several years.Clarence is a 30 year member of the Jansen American Legion, past six year member of the Coop Board and past six year Church Trustee.They have five grandchildren, and earlier in 2024 moved to the Heritage Care Center where until recently they shared a room. Sadly, Mary passed on September 4, 2024.

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