Frank Bradley Marshall

Frank Bradley Marshall, age 79, of Duluth, Minnesota, passed away on March 24, 2023 at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center, after a long series of illnesses.

Frank, the oldest of three brothers, was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Pierre “Pete” Marshall and Mary Bliss. He went to Glenbard West High School, graduating in 1961, and then attended the University of Minnesota. Frank eventually enlisted in the Army and was honorably discharged in 1969. While stationed in Berlin, Germany, he met his first wife, Karen Hellmann. They were married in 1967 and had three wonderful children. They eventually divorced, but remained friends to the end. In 1986, Frank married Deborah (Tyson) Gourley, who also had three amazing children. In 1989, Frank and Deb moved to Duluth, Minnesota, most excited to share their life together in the Northland. They opened their own Allstate Agency, where they flourished for 20 years. Frank had a successful 40-year career with Allstate Insurance Company, as an agent, then several management positions, and finally as an agent again, in Duluth. After retiring in 2010, Frank continued working as a truck driver, coach bus driver, and a work camper for several years.

Anyone who knew Frank knew he lived a big life. He was a teller of tales, both tall and short. No matter the situation or topic, Frank had a story for you. He was a voracious reader, with a particular love for Tolkien, whose works he reread frequently. Frank was an accomplished archer, beginning as a child. Over his life he competed in many archery tournaments and was a member of the Wolftrack Archery Club, the Duluth Archery Club, and the Minnesota State Archery Association. Frank was a sailor on vessels from sailboats to large cruisers. He earned his 6-pack captain’s license and led charter fishing trips for several years. He was also an avid angler, with a particular love for his annual trip walleye fishing in the Rainy River. Frank was an airplane pilot, with an IFR rating. He loved to fly and owned his own plane for several years. Frank also loved traveling, and spent many of his later years traveling the country with Deb in their 5th wheel camper. All of those who had the joy of being in Frank’s circle will greatly miss him and his larger-than-life stories and adventures. He was truly one of a kind.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents; and his brothers, James Marshall and John Marshall. 

Frank is survived by his wife, Deborah Marshall; children, Nickolas Marshall, Stephanie (Stefan) Stein, Andrea (Dan) Speegle, Jessica (Todd) Hogrefe, Francis Gourley, and Megan Gourley; grandchildren, Colin Stein, Daniela Stein, Liam Stein, Julia Speegle, Erik Speegle, Lauren Speegle, Owen Speegle, Greta Hogrefe, and Peter Hogrefe; granddaughter, Amber (Tim) Roller; and great-grandchildren, Louisa and Leroy Roller.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Rice Lake Fire Department and the Essentia Health St. Mary's Emergency Doctors and staff.

Celebration of Life Gathering will be held at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, April 26th at Chalstroms Archery, 5067 Rice Lake Rd, Duluth, MN 55803.

Military Honors and Interment at 11:30 AM on May 10th at Fort Snelling Cemetery at 11:30 AM. Another Celebration of Frank's Life to follow the burial from 1:00 to 2:30 PM, at Texas Roadhouse, 209 Radio Dr., Woodbury, MN 55125.

Memorial Donations may be made to: Rice Lake Fire Relief Association, 4051 Martin Rd., Duluth, MN 55803.

“All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost.”

— J.R.R. Tolkien

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Frank Bradley Marshall, please visit our floral store.