Obituary of Gloria Marie Kirchmann Marbach

Gloria Marie (Kirchmann) Marbach was born and raised in Spokane, Washington on March 21, 1927. She was the third of four children born to Otto and Anna Daniel. Her work history started early, with employment at an ice cream parlor and at a local hospital. She loved to sing and was a talented pianist. As a young girl she could be heard on the occasional live radio show. In her later years, when she was no longer able to play, she would frequently tell her children and grandchildren that someday she’d play again. We have no doubt she is doing just that.

 

When Gloria was a teen, her mother was in Gold Star Mothers, an organization whose members had lost sons in the war and who provided servicemen meals and a taste of civility in family homes. That is how Gloria met Marvin Kirchmann, a handsome sailor from Nebraska.

 

After they married in 1947, they were blessed with six children, Wendee Field, Michael Kirchmann (1949-2016), Vickie (Jim) Jackson, Gayle Shaffer, Sherri King and Jim Kirchmann. Gloria and Marvin initially raised their children on a small Nebraska farm with few resources, no running water and only an outhouse. The older kids attended school in a one-room school house.

 

They later moved to Corpus Christie, Texas, where they lived for a short time before returning to Washington to raise their family in Tukwila. Busy with six children and while working full time, Gloria returned to school at Green River Community College where she earned her AA degree. Gloria worked for three decades, advocating for children as a Child Protective Services social worker and later as a supervisor. This started a family tradition of public service spanning three generations.

 

Gloria’s first husband, Marvin, died in 1980. She remained in Washington for several years, working, spending time with family, and participating in Eastern Star, where she made many dear friends. After retiring from the Department of Social and Health Services, she relocated to Florence, Oregon, to be closer to her baby brother, Roy.

 

It is there that she found love again and married Jacob Marbach, who blessed her with three wonderful stepsons, Marty (Sue) Marbach, Tom (Paula) Marbach and Donald (Sarah) Marbach. Gloria and Jake enjoyed traveling, fishing, golfing and spending time gallivanting across the country visiting their family.

 

Gloria was always willing to try new things. While in her 60s, she got her boating license and, although she was known to drive a bit fast, she got to teach a defensive driving course for senior citizens.

 

After Jake passed away in 1999, Gloria returned to Washington. She spent much of her time volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in Thurston County and tutoring students at Horizons Elementary in Olympia. She loved the kids and families she worked with but nothing compared to the love and devotion she had for her children, grandchildren and other family members, including her beloved Daniel relatives in Eastern Washington and the Kirchmann relatives in other states, with whom periodic family reunions continued to create fond memories.

 

Gloria always had a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye. She was our cheerleader, counselor, confidante, comedian and so much more to all of those lucky enough to call her mom, grandma, aunt, cousin, friend or co-worker.

 

Gloria passed away at home on September 6, 2018, surrounded by her children. She was

91 years young and leaves behind five children, more than 30 grandchildren and great grandchildren, countless beloved family members and many friends.

 

Gloria was a rare gem who touched many lives and helped make the world a better place. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. A private graveside service for family will be held in late September. A Celebration of Life will be held in the near future. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made in Gloria’s name to CHI-Franciscan Hospice or your local CASA organization.

 

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