Marsen Barthel

Marsen Henry Barthel, age 90, of Pequot Lakes, MN, entered his Eternal home on September 22, 2025.

Born to Margaret and Lambert Barthel, Marsen grew up in Albertville, MN. After his father’s death when Marsen was 7, he worked on his uncles’ farm to help support his family. At age 11, he contracted polio but fully recovered after treatment at Sister Kenny Institute. As a teenager, he survived a tragic car accident that claimed the lives of his cousin and two close friends—events that deepened his faith and shaped his life.

Marsen graduated from Elk River High School and began work at the St. Paul Ford Plant in 1954. He married Dorothy Bottema in 1955, and soon after was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served as a company clerk in Germany. Following his service, he returned to the U.S. where they raised three children. He rejoined the Ford Plant, where he worked for 41 years before retiring to Pequot Lakes. A highlight of his retirement was relocating the Ford Plant’s historic 90-foot flagpole to his lakeshore, where it became a landmark and symbol of his patriotism.

Marsen loved woodworking, ice fishing, plowing snow with his John Deere. Summers were spent on his boat Only in America and hosting family and friends. His church home was Immaculate Heart Church where he was a parishioner for 21 years. He was also active with the Knights of Columbus “Woodcrew.”

His greatest hope is that those he loved in life will join him in his new divine residence, at their own God appointed time. Until that day arrives, he leaves behind his wife Terri. He is also survived by his two loving daughters Judith (James) Whalen, Amy Barthel (James), as well as his son and best companion Mark Barthel (Diane). Grandchildren include Michelle (Timothy), Elizabeth, Joshua (Chelsea), Zachary (Kristen), Jordan, Lance, Hannah, and Victoria. Great-grandchildren include Gabby, Piper, Ava, Lennon, Jones, Marsen, and Nora.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Dorothy, siblings Donna May (Dean), Diane (Vince), and Melvin, nephew Larry Blood, and many beloved family and friends. Marsen will be remembered for his industrious spirit, simplicity, zest for life, and quiet strength. To his family, he was “an easy place to land.”

Details regarding future service arrangements will be announced when available.

In Marsen’s words, “Not to worry!”