Marcel (Marshall) Grothues was born January 8, 1930, to Alphonse and Marie (DeClerq) in San Antonio, Texas. He was the third of eight children and a farmer almost since birth. An excellent, student, he dropped out of high school his sophomore year to work on the family farm when his older brother went into the service. Determined to finish high school, he returned two years later to graduate valedictorian of his class.

Marcel proudly served in the army during the Korean Conflict, returning to continue to work on the family farm. During this time, he met his sweetie, Isabel McClosky, at Hermann Sons, having tried and failed twice to ask her to dance before he succeeded on the third attempt. His persistence paid off, and they were happily married for 64 years, raising four kids, and celebrating ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Marcel was a successful farmer in and around Von Ormy, Texas, and a solid man of his word. He took great satisfaction in the crops that he raised, the family he loved and supported, the Catholic faith he practiced, and the Dutch/Belgian heritage that was his birthright. Of all the crops he grew, his pride and joy were the two orange trees in his backyard, the fruit of which he proudly shared with his family and friends. He spoke fluent Flemish and passable Spanish and was a fan of the English pun and the proverbial dad joke. He was a sharp pool player and a smooth dancer.

Most of all, he was a quiet source of strength, faith, and generosity to his friends and family. A man of honor and kindness who was always ready to help someone in need. He worked hard all of his life with little complaint and now goes to rest with his beloved wife, once again by her side.

Marcel passed away on March 16, 2022. He was preceded in death by his wife, Isabel; his parents; his sisters, Edith, Emma, Aline, and MaryAnn; and his brothers, Albert and Paul. He will be missed by his children, Patrick (Cheryl), Frank (Wendy), Anne, and Denise (Les); his grandchildren, John (Kristin), Stephen (Brittany), Kevin (Taylor), Natalie, Alan, Diane, Will, Emily, Claire, and Emma; great-grandchildren, Ryan, Paige, Olivia, and Michael; his sister, Gertie; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Thursday, March 24, at 6:00 PM in The Angelus Chapel with a Rosary at 7:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be offered Friday, March 25, at 1:00 PM at  Our Lady Queen of  Heaven Catholic Church in Macdona, TX. Interment will follow in the Our Lady Queen of Heaven Cemetery.