John Edward Marse, 56, passed away surrounded by family on February 16, 2025 after a very brief illness. John was born to the late Gerald Marse and Florence (Rizzatello) Johnson on December 12, 1968 in Blue Island, Illinois.
John graduated from Hazelcrest High School. After high school, he entered the Pipefitters Union as an apprentice and worked for several years before becoming an Ironworker. He continued his career as an Ironworker/Welder for over 30 years. Most recently, he worked at Crown Equipment in Greencastle. He was a very hard worker and loved his job.
On October 2, 2016, John married Lisa (Hendricks) Watler. Recently, John and Lisa purchased a new home. John’s greatest hobby was working on the house, painting “everything” and working in their yard. He enjoyed riding motorcross and attending Supercross every year with his friends and family.
John is preceded in death by his parents.
John is survived by his wife, Lisa Watler-Marse, three children, Tim Marse, John “J.J” Marse Jr., and Jennifer Hasch (Chris), four step children who he loved as his own, Don Watler (Trina), Jessica Freeman, Charla Archer (Brad), and Kali Watler-White (George), grandchildren, Lilyana Sanchez, Emma Hasch, Michael Hasch, Lela Moore, Harlee Archer, Michael Willyard, Bennett White, and Beckett White, three siblings, Lynette Pope, Julia Massey (Ronnie), and Tony Johnson, nieces and nephews, Erica Otey (Brian), Samantha Marse, Adam Marse (Katie), Ashley Rapka, and Richey Rapka (Stephanie).
A Celebration of Life will be held March 29th from 3-6 at White Pine Manor.
