Obituary
Ethan “Pete” Marr
Ethan “Pete” Marr peacefully passed at his home on January 25, 2025, at the age of 81, due to a rare blood disorder.
Pete was born on April 11, 1943, in Luverne, MN, where he grew up and worked on his family’s farm until his graduation from Adrian, MN high school in 1961. He was a very accomplished athlete, competing in baseball, football, basketball and track. Prior to his graduation, he was asked to try out as a catcher for the St. Louis Cardinals major league baseball team but was unable to as he was needed on the farm.
On March 7, 1964, he was married to Nancy (Yellott) Marr, his wife of 60 years.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English from Winona State University and took his first teaching and coaching jobs in Lynd, MN. Shortly after, he moved his family to Russell, MN, where he taught English and coached basketball, football, track and cross country. In 1979 Pete coached the Russell Bulldog’s football team to the state nine-man championship. It is the only state championship in the school’s history.
As a teacher and coach, he was known to be very firm, yet he was highly respected and was often voted most popular teacher by the students. He is significantly beloved by a great many of his former students and athletes, who hold fond memories of him. He loved coaching his two sons in high school, and they loved playing for him as he instilled a winning attitude in all his players.
Upon retiring from teaching in 1989, he started several businesses in the sporting goods industry. In 1990, he moved his family to Sparta, WI where he ran Marr Associates and Logowear. His “over the top” customer service and treatment of employees led to great success in the business world. He was well known for his extreme generosity and was always available to lend a hand to those in need.
Pete was an avid sports fan who rarely missed watching his favorite sports teams, the New York Yankees and Minnesota Vikings. He also enjoyed watching Wisconsin Badgers basketball. His wife, Nancy, a former Minnesota Vikings cheerleader, watched right along with him. He also loved having his sons over to watch games.
He is preceded in death by his mother Mildred (Knowlton) Marr, his father Gerald “Monk” Marr and his brother David Marr.
He is survived in death by his wife Nancy Marr, his sister Geraldine (Marr) Burdman, his children Jeff Marr, Eric (and Michel) Marr, Erin (and Scott) Bossman and Amanda Colyer, as well as thirteen grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday February 1st at The Gathering Place, located at 133 Mason Street in Onalaska, Wisconsin. Visitation will be from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. The memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM.
Pete coached us to the championship team.. we were good but he made us champs…great man father educator glad I got to know him and his family
This might get kind of long, but I’ll try not to. I only had Pete for a teacher for 1 year, but I really enjoyed him as a teacher. I had him for a track coach in 8th grade he got me into high jumping, which I was actually good at thanks to him. I managed the 8th grade basketball team; he talked me into trying it when I was a freshman. I loved high jumping and loved basketball. Loved staying with the Marr family on weekends. Eric, Jeff and I were able to go to the gym at night and get a little extra work in. I respected him and his whole family, even though the daughters were pretty young at the time. Pete was a great coach, teacher and got to be a respected friend. He will be missed by all who’s paths crossed with his!
So sad to hear of Pete’s passing. Sending sincere condolences to his family. He was a good coach and friend!
Jan Rustànd
Pete marr had the flashiest smile!!!! He was my teacher for jr hi and hi school. We all loved to mess around w him and joke w him. Class of 1978. He was firm when he needed to be. he is my first teacher to pass. I will miss him!!!! U hav earned ur wings, fly high!!!!!’n
I was blessed to know Pete and call him a friend. When we were in the same office building for several years in Onalaska I just loved time with him in conversation about sports and politics, we were very like minded, except when he cheered for the Vikings against my Packers. I can only say what a great man Pete was and I was blessed to have know him and am better for it. May God bless Pete’s family as they mourn his loss.