Marshall M. Gerken, age 92, of Mitchell, SD died Wednesday, July 4, 2018 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease at Avera Brady Health and Rehab. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at Holy Family Catholic Church with burial at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Monday at the Will Funeral Chapel with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 PM.

Marshall M. Gerken, son of Henry and Phoebe (Moore) Gerken, was born July 19, 1925 in rural Stickney, SD. He attended grade school at Pleasant Lake Consolidated in Aurora County, and later graduated from Stickney High School in 1943. He then attended Yankton College, University of Tulsa, Maryland University and Law School at the University of South Dakota. Marshall received his Doctor of Juris Degree in 1957.

He served in the US Air Force from 1950 to 1954 serving in Washington DC. Marshall served as Assistant Attorney General of South Dakota and was in private practice with Fellows Law Firm in Plankinton, SD. He was the Aurora County States Attorney from 1963 to July 1, 1978 then he served as the 4th Judicial Circuit Court Judge from July 1, 1978 to January 2, 1991.

Marshall was united in marriage with Janet Ell Fox on October 13, 1989 in Mitchell, SD. The couple made their home in Mitchell and wintered in Arizona for 23 years. He enjoyed reading, golf, his six grandchildren and being a proud democrat. Marshall was a very well-read historian and could tell stories of almost any historical fact.

Marshall was a humble, kind and generous man who was deeply proud of his family. He spoke with great pride whenever he talked about his grandchildren.  One of Marshall's biggest highlights was following his grandkids playing sports. He loved them dearly and he will be greatly missed.

He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, the Elks Lodge and the South Dakota Bar Association.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Janet Gerken, Mitchell, SD; two stepchildren, Mike (Shaun) Fox, Mt. Vernon, SD, Cathy (Jim) Robertson, Canistota, SD; step grandchildren, Kailee, Emilee and Brady Fox, Alex (Colleen), Macy and Isiah Robertson; two sisters, Nova Harrison, Warrenton, OR and Carol Adkisson, Mitchell, SD.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, his in-laws, Paul and Lydia Ell and a brother-in-law, Ronald Ell.

Memorials may be directed to Holy Family Catholic Church Organ Fund or LifeQuest.