Up North, at Peace is a place for us to remember and celebrate Joel Ray Marsh, the inspiring man, son, brother, friend, who now watches us for each and everyone of us, and greets those we love as they join him in heaven.

Here's to a life well lived...

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Boettcher Tree in Seymour...

We stopped to take a look at the Christmas tree that the Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home decorates each holiday season in Seymour in honor of those served the past year...  We cannot thank the Boettcher family enough for their continued support and selfless service to those in the most vulnerable time of need.  We feel so blessed to have such wonderful friends who so generously serve the community...

Shining bright in the smell of evergreen...

Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home Remembrance Tree

Thank you for all you have done for our family, and for all you continue to do to support families within the community...

-The Marsh's-

Friday, December 23, 2011

Joel's Phone Message...

If you are anything like me, sometimes you pick up the phone to give Buck a call, mostly out of habit.  However, we recently canceled his line, and now you hear a service message instead of Joel's calm voice...

So, for a little Christmas gift, you don't have to hear that weird recording, and you can just stop by Joel's blog to give him a "call" over the holidays...



Looking forward to seeing you all over the Holidays!

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Joel's Christmas Trees

I just wanted to let you all in on some things that we're doing to celebrate Christmas with Joel.  We're somewhat surprised on how many Christmas trees my family and Joel have up this year, because usually if we get one fake one up by Christmas morning before opening presents, it's a good year in the Marsh Family!  Joel was not a huge fan of the Christmas tradition and usually put up with my crazy antics on Christmas morning as I annoyed him to get into the Christmas spirit.  He does have one famous VanBoxtel Christmas party however which will forever be remembered as "Joel's Christmas"...

To much surprise to all who know us, we have a Christmas tree at our house in Seymour... with a hat that I forced Joel to wear a few years ago.  I was dressed up as Santa and snapped a picture of us together with him in the elf hat, and mailed it out to all his friends, what a sport!  The tree at our house is the "Charlie Brown" tree, and is missing a bunch of limbs, but still looks great...  We particularly like the limb that sticks out way on the bottom, so low I could barely get the tree skirt around it!

Joel's Charlie Brown tree with the "Jingle This..." elf hat

“CHARLIE BROWN TREE”

From little on when Joel was asked to pick out our Xmas tree, it would always have this look. This special tree was truly a reflection of the person he was. He never took people for their looks, brain power, strength, or smooth talking. His relationship with people was based on their heart and compassion for others.

We have another Christmas tree at the Duplex in Seymour.  Chris was kind enough to let us invade his house and decorate the tree after he wrestled it into the house (aka rolled on the ground with it).  Becca was a professional and put all of our decorating skills to shame.  We have a lot of family and random ornaments on there, looks just like our old trees!

Becca and Joel's freshly decorated tree at the duplex...

“THE JOURNEY TREE”

This tree represents Joel’s short, but fulfilling life. It is well groomed from lessons of life and thoughtfulness for others. As you look at the top you will see not one single point, but several. This is Joel reaching out to all of us making us better people while here on earth. Treating each  other with respect, over looking any short comings we may have.

Lastly, I have two trees in Pittsburgh.  I put up our classic tree which was with me in Madison, and added Joel's Packer Christmas hat to the top of it.  But, Joel get's his own personal tree as well, another Charlie Brown tree just to be consistent.

Pittsburgh Christmas display in our family room, Buck's packer hat!

Joel's Charlie Brown tree in Pittsburgh, with a candle for each of us.

Wishing you warm and happy holidays with family and friends!

Love,
Alyce


PS.  If you're missing the snow, check out the Webcam in Twin Lakes, that will make you want to head north!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Thank you for your generosity...

We cannot thank you enough for all of your support and contributions to our memorial and scholarship fund for Joel...   We hope it will further Joel's passions withing our local community.

Here are some photos that motivated us to target Joel's scholarship to those pursuing crafts and trades...  It was truly what made Joel happy and also excited for Friday afternoon to be able to head north...


Building the deck at Eva...


Joel loved all stages of building projects from drawing up the first floor plan to installing the finishing touches and last piece of trim and enjoying a evening with friends and family within the warmth of a cabin sitting next to a wood stove...


Thursday, December 8, 2011

Home...



It's been a long hard ride, and I won't loose hope...


On my flight home to Wisconsin... Warm sky with snow covered clouds.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Press Gazette Guest Book Posts...

Thank you for all of your comments, condolences, and support...  We can't thank you enough for all of your comments, stories, and memories...

Alyce and Joel with Grandma and Grandpa VB at Lake Eva


December 04, 2011
Curt,Deb and Alyce, we just heard the news of your son. Our deepest sympathy go out to you and your family. I wish there were words I could say that would help take the pain away, but know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Dick and Germaine Wertel

November 30, 2011
Curt and Deb, I just heard the news and was very saddened to hear that someone so young and full of life was taken from you. Surely he is with GOD waiting to see you again. My heart bleeds for you both and your daughter...GOD Bless, Becky (Firgens) Sylvester
 
November 27, 2011
Hi Deb & Curt, Our thoughts & prayers are with you in your time of sorrow. We got the news from your Dad Deb & was really shocked! Wayne sent us the obit so we could express condolences. So take care & God bless! "Ken & Dede Weckwerth ( Phoenix Az.) 
November 26, 2011
Curt, Deb and Alyce: My prayers and deepest sympathy are with you each day. May the joy and happy days you had with Joel be cherished forever. God bless. Lynn (Van Boxtel) Steinbrecker 
November 26, 2011
Dear Curt, Deb, and Alyce,
Joel was my son Jay Kelly's good friend. I was so happy when Jay chose Joel to stand up in his wedding this past May. It was always great when he would come over and visit. He was a kind, and respectful young man and so fun and positive to be around! He will be missed greatly. Prayers to your family to help you get through this difficult time in your lives.
November 26, 2011
Curt and Deb, Our deepest sympathy at the loss of your son. Brother Mark always spoke very highly of Joel. We will remember your family in our prayers.
Glenn and Christine Whipp
November 26, 2011
Debbie and Curt, My deepest sympathy at the loss of your son, Joel. I just found out Friday while at work. God bless you and yours in this time of acceptance and healing.
November 25, 2011
Hi Deb and Curt:
Well so sad to see of Joel's passing--I remember when you, Betsy and I all had those baby boys in 85/86. I haven't seen you two in awhile but my thoughts and prayers are with you and the Van Boxtel/Marsh family at this time, so sad to lose a family member, old or young.

Take care:
Donna Nikodem
ddjj1858@yahoo
November 25, 2011
Hi Deb and Curt:
Well I was sad to see Joel's obituary in the paper--I remembered that Betsy, you and I all had boys in 85/86. I didn't know him and haven't seen you two for awhile but my thoughts and prayers are with you and the whole VanBoxtel/Marsh family at this time.
Take care!
November 25, 2011
We are so sorry to hear your son passed away. You all will be in our prayers to help you get through this sad, sad time. God bless you all. Your Lake Eva friends, Patty, Tom, Tommy Savola, and Lauri and Steve Kneebone
November 25, 2011
Joel "Buck" always knew how to make a person smile! He will be missed.....
November 25, 2011
I worked with Jole for the past 2 years with Jacobs. I am out of the office in Meterie Louisiana. He is a kind heart and will be well missed. May Gob be with you all.
Bill Parker from Covington, Louisiana at Jacobs
November 24, 2011
Sorry to hear of the tragic news Curt, Deb. I can not imagine the pain that you are enduring which has feel unbearable . I have not kept up with your family and relatives but I can still feel you anguish at the most difficult times
November 24, 2011
Curt, Deb, and Alyce... We were disheartened by the news of Joels passing. He was a person of few words just like Jerry. But he seemed to have a hand in all work and play and you could tell family was everything. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Greg, Jodi, Jordan and Korrin Archer
Remer, Mn.
November 24, 2011 
I only knew Joel as a little boy, when he was my student at Rock Ledge. Even then he had a great attitude and heart. My prayers are with you.
November 24, 2011
Dearest Marsh Family:
I cannot express my sympathy enough. Because of him, Joel not only made the world a better place, but he was a joy in the workplace. I'm sure all of us will sadly miss his smiling face. Again, we have lost a truly good one!
Peace be with you .....
November 24, 2011
To the marsh family: we are so sorry for your loss. We had the priviledge of knowing Joel through our son-in-law Dan. As we remember him, we can't help but smile with every memory! We will truely miss him. Thank you for passing on the gift of life to so many others - I can only imagine what a wonderful Thanksgiving those families are having because of Joels gift.
November 24, 2011
Deb, Curt and Alyce,
You are in our thoughts and prayers, we will remember Joel as the fine young man you brought him up to be. The Lord was in need of a fine craftsmen, and Joel was the best. God Bless you!!! Friends Always,
November 24, 2011
Dear Marsh family:
I am sorry for your loss. I am sorry for our loss. Joel is/was a fine young man.

Dennis Gratke
Jacobs 
November 23, 2011
Curt, Deb and Alyce.. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your son and brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Ways to help us remember...

I am hoping to gather a collection of the ways Joel impacted the lives of others...

1) Please bring a story to Joel's service tomorrow on a note card or small piece of paper.  We have a few poster boards were you can clip up your story or fond memory of Joel.

2) There is a spot to post comments about Joel and upload pictures at The Green Bay Press Gazzette

3) Please comment on any posts, pictures, or email me through this blog.  I am excited to put together a book of Joel's many talents, friends, family, and passions...

Joel a humble man, never told us many of the things he did for people, we would love to hear what he has done for you... 


Joel Ray Marsh

Celebration of Joel's Life...

We are welcoming you all to celebrate with us in Seymour tomorrow...


Visitation:
Friday, November 25, 2011
1:00 PM until 8:00 PM
Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home
358 South Main Street
Seymour, WI 54165


Service:
Friday, November 25, 2011
8:00 PM
Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home
358 South Main Street
Seymour, WI 54165



Joel was never much of a man for flowers, however he loved working with his hands, building, and spending time up north.  In lieu of flowers, we will be contributing Joel's gifts to scholarship funds for those entering into careers where they can impact the lives of others through the work of their hands.

Casual dress is encouraged for Joel's visitation and service.  

Joel, Curt, Deb, Grandma and Grandpa VanBoxtel, Me, Paul at the KBC!