Diocese's minister to deacons dies after brief illness

Published: February 5, 2015

Dc. John Marschewski

Deacon John Marschewski, minister to deacons for the Diocese of Little Rock and a deacon at Christ the King Church in Little Rock, died Feb. 5 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 73.

Marschewski announced to the diocesan staff Nov. 5 that he was diagnosed with cancer.

“Obviously, this comes as quite a shock but, at least at this point, I am at peace with God's plan,” he wrote. “I am certain I will have many rough spots as I walk this new path but my faith tells me, and I feel, I do not walk alone. I ask for your prayers that my family will be projected and comforted and that I will continue to have peace.”

On Feb. 3 he entered hospice care. The family posted updates on Facebook and wore T-shirts proclaiming #TeamJohn.

Marschewski joined the diocesan staff in 2005 after a 12-month retirement. He worked for 40 years in the electric utility business, ending his career as president of Southwest Power Pool.

In the part-time diocesan position he provided spiritual and educational opportunities for 110 active and retired deacons.

He was born Jan. 1, 1942, to the late John Marschewski Sr. and Nan Elaine Mabry Marschewski. He retired as a major after 20 years in the 142nd Artillery Army National Guard. The Helena native moved to Little Rock in 1965, and he and his wife Mary Beth became one of the earliest families to join Christ the King Church in 1967. He was ordained a deacon in May 1998 and was initially assigned to Immaculate Conception Church in North Little Rock.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Beth Rogers Marschewski; one son, John Jacob Marschewski III of Effingham, Ill.; two daughters, Julie Ann Marschewski Austin and Kelly Elizabeth Marschewski Lasseigne, both of Little Rock; and six grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, Feb. 9 at Christ the King Church. A rosary service will be held at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 8 followed by a visitation at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Deacon Koinonia Fund, Diocese of Little Rock, 2500 North Tyler St., Little Rock, AR 72207.