In Loving Memory
1949•2026
Sign the family’s guestbook
Alan Marr Duersch, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, passed away peacefully at age 77.
Marr was born on April 14, 1949, to Edward and Gae Duersch the second child of what would become six children
From an early age, Marr dreamed of grandiose adventures. Inspired by films starring John Wayne and Errol Flynn, he clandestinely yearned to be a soaring swashbuckler or courageous cowboy. Little did he know that the horizon of those rip-roaring reveries lay far beyond his youth, waiting to unfold in the quiet chaos of marriage and children.
At Highland High School, he channeled much of that venturesome energy into soccer and javelin. He often recounted the memorable occasion at Sugarhouse Park when he “accidentally” speared a seagull with a javelin—a story that became part of family lore.
That spirit continued into young adulthood, when he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hamburg, Germany.
His love for the German people and language became a treasured Duersch family Christmas tradition. Each year, Marr sang “Silent Night” in German, joined by his sons in their own LDS mission languages: French, Korean, Portuguese, and Hungarian. Today, the grandchildren carry the tradition forward, keeping languages like German and French alive while introducing English, Spanish, Swahili, and Tongan.
Marr served in the Utah Army National Guard as a member of the 19th Special Forces Group, where he served as a Green Beret. He was proud of his military service and valued the experiences, friendships, and sense of duty that came with serving alongside his fellow soldiers.
Following his mission, Marr married Mary Jean Harrison in the Salt Lake City Temple on April 16, 1971. Together, they built a family that became the center of his life. They would eventually be blessed with five children.
Marr was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in numerous Church callings and assignments. His faith was evident in the way he served, loved, and cared for those around him.
Yet, alongside his steady faith and devotion, life in the Duersch home was always filled with plenty of warmth and laughter.
Marr routinely found himself the unsuspecting subject of elaborate scare pranks: the time Uncle Tom pretended to be the Midnight Strangler and had Marr desperately bargaining for his safety; the murderer hiding in the backseat of the car, who turned out to be a forgotten helium balloon; and the infamous Sunday morning when Marr was attacked by a small “dragon” while dressing for church.
Never had there been, nor ever would there be, a young mortal man who received a more deserving spontaneous thrashing from a necktie than Adam did in that moment.
The pranks eventually blossomed to include close family friends. Like the time when Marr’s boys and their friend crept down the hallway while hauling a bewildered neighbor's dog and doing everything they could to smother their laughter. Through the bathroom door, the steady hiss of the shower meant Marr hadn't suspected a thing. In one swift motion, the teenagers yanked the shower curtain open and tossed the dog straight into the steamy deluge. The quiet afternoon shattered instantly into a chaotic mess of frantic barking, flying water, and Marr’s terrified, booming shout as the boys bolted down the hall in hysterics.
Happily, the dog was later returned unharmed, and the story became another unforgettable chapter in the family’s collection of pranks.
These stories reveal the warmth of Marr’s family life. He gave his loved ones not only his faith and devotion, but also the freedom to laugh, play, and create memories together.
As the years passed, Marr’s interests increasingly became whatever interested his grandchildren.
Whether attending softball tournaments and dance recitals, encouraging them to pursue their loftiest dreams, or simply offering a bit of grandfatherly advice, he cherished every opportunity to be part of their lives and to support them in becoming whatever they dreamed of becoming.
His grandchildren knew one piece of advice especially well:
“Remember who you are and what you stand for.”
Those words reflected the principles that guided Marr’s life: faithfulness in service, devotion to family, courage in conviction, and a clear understanding of what mattered most. Through his example and love, he passed those principles on to his children and grandchildren.
Marr leaves behind his beloved wife, Mary; his children, Nathan (Stacey), Adam (Charity), Tyler (Jessica), Jarad (Janae), and Abbie (Dave) Barnett; his 16 grandchildren; and a family filled with stories that will be told, embellished, laughed about, and treasured for generations to come.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at the Lighthouse Ward, 240 Interlochen Lane in Stansbury Park, Utah. Viewings will be held at the same location on Friday evening, October 2, 2026 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM as well as Saturday prior to services beginning at 9:00 AM. Interment will follow in the Stansbury Park Cemetery.
Funeral services will be streamed and recorded via Zoom for those wishing to watch the services.. For those wishing to watch, please click the "Watch Services" link above.
Marr’s adventures may have begun with John Wayne and Errol Flynn, but the life he built was richer than anything he watched on a movie screen—a life of faith, laughter, family, service, and love.
His influence will continue through the people he taught, the family he cherished, and the memories he left behind.
And to those who mourn him, his counsel remains:
Remember who you are and what you stand for.
Send flowers for Marr · The Rose Shop delivers them to the service, free of charge.
Mary,
Noel and I are heartbroken to hear of Marr's passing. We have missed being close to the two of you and the memories of the amazing people the two of you are warms our hearts.
We are so sorry for your loss and for Marr's suffering. We pray that your many memories of him and those of others will bring some comfort.
Hugs and Love from the Hintons
Mary I’m so sorry for the loss of your sweetheart.
I have so many memories with his sense of humor, wonderful singing voice, his ability to get along well with the youth and everyone actually.
Chase loved him as his Sunday School teacher.
He was such a good person with a kind heart. Sure do love you both you have always had a special place in my heart! Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. ❤️❤️❤️
Marr was a giant of a man in a somewhat shorter body. He was my priest quorum adviser and had a significant influence on my life for good. I will be forever grateful his and Mary's impact on my life. Marr we will see you later. God speed.
Nathan,
The saying goes “ like father like son”
I didn’t know your father but I know he had to be kind and caring.
That’s what I remember about you as Bishop of the Spanish Fork Ward.
I’m greatfull for the gospel knowing your dad is happy.
May the Holy Ghost comfort you at this time.
Dearest Mary and Duersch Family,
I am so sad to hear of Marr’s passing. My deepest thoughts, prayers, and condolences are with you. It was such a pleasure growing up next door to your family. I have lots of fond memories of your warmth and kindness. I remember good talks I had with Mary and Marr that helped me through my teenage years. They must’ve had more impact than anyone could have guessed because I somehow copied your family model: I also have 5 children (4 boys, 1 girl) and 16 grandchildren! 😉
I’m also wondering if it was my dog, Tiffy, that was Marr’s shower dragon! 😂
I send my love to all of you! You were so blessed to have Marr in your lives, and so was I.
- Shellie Dangerfield Dorius
Marr, thank you for being a good neighbor and example to me and many others as well. I'll remember you for your happy nature and kindness.
Mary, Adam, Nathan, Tyler, Jarad and Abigail,
We love you and mourn with you and share in remembering good times with Marr and your family. We have so many good memories with Marr and your family across more than 40 years and various stages of life. Especially great memories from being neighbors in childhood, and then later enjoying our teenage years, playing soccer together, hanging out at your home, enjoying Orange Crush (the drink and the car), laughing so hard milk came out of someone's nose (no names here :-) to share just a few. Years later we enjoyed running into Marr and Mary in Tooele County at our kids & his grandkids soccer games or randomly bumping into each other at the grocery store. Marr is one of those people who after every encounter just left you feeling better about yourself and more hopeful about life; you always knew you were loved and appreciated. He knew who he was and what he stood for here and we are sure he is still standing for those same things on the other side, just like he did here. You are in our prayers as we extend our sympathy and love to you and your families at this time.
All our love,
Doug & Candee Thomas and Family
Our sympathy is with Marr's family at this time. Marr was a dear friend of mine that was my age and in all my classes at church from the time I was 8 years old. We had a very special group of friends through our high school years. Marr always added to the fun with his adventurous ideas and energy. He was ready for any activity we cooked up from camping to Sunday night firesides. He lived a life of dedication to the church, even as a teenager. You helped me be who I am today. Oh, Marr... Thanks for the memories! Love, Kriss Bodell (Gates)
I live in North Carolina, so I appreciate the fact that the service is being recorded so we can be part of honoring Marr.
Mary, we are so sorry to hear of Marr's passing! He was a great man and we are thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
Mary, we are so sad to hear of Marrs passing. He will be remembered in our family with his deep voice, the fireworks, and his love for you!! Please know our prayers are with you and your family! Families are forever, what a blessing it is to know we will see and be with our loved ones again! We love you!!
Oh sweet Mary, I am so sorry about this. You are a strong and accomplished woman and your independent spirit will carry you on. My Love to you and your family.❤️
Dear Mary,
I’m so sad to learn of your husband’s passing. I have always admired you, and your husband sounds like he was the perfect match for someone of your caliber. May you find strength in the days ahead, but know that my love and sympathy is with you. With sincere condolences, Kathy Withers
Marr was a mentor to me, a wonderful friend, a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. I grew to love him and his dear wife, Mary. I’m sure Mary and their family are receiving blessings and comfort from above and prayers from family and friends. May the good he imparted in his life be uplifting to everyone who knew and loved him and Mary.
We remember Marr playing Santa for some of the Ward Christmas parties. He made a great Santa! We are thinking of you and praying for your comfort and peace at this time. We love you Mary and family!
Mary our love goes to you and your family at this difficult time. Marr was a very kind and caring person. We loved sharing this family as neighbors in the Hunter 12 ward. Our prayers to your family at this very hard time.
Mary,
Our daughter Callie serves in the Syracuse Temple and ran into Dave Porter on Thursday
p.m. She phoned this morning and told me of
the passing of Marr.
I am so saddened for you. He was such a good
bishop and you and he were a great infulence
on our family.
Glad to know where you have landed since
West Valley. We are in Bear River City, by
the Brigham City Temple where we served
for 12 years.
Ray is dealing with dementia and otherwise in
good health. May your days ahead bring you
comfort knowing you will be together again.
Love, Connie Hansen (cnnhansen@yahoo.com)
Mary and family, we are so sorry to hear of the passing of Marr, he was alway so kind and thoughtful, a spiritual giant, we learned so much from him and admired him greatly. We pray for your peace and comfort, for strength as you carry on without your sweetheart by your side. Our thoughts and prayer are with you and your family.
Deene Baugh
We regret not having contact with Marr and his family through the years., but we cherish those times we shared. Marr will always be remembered as a solid man who was willing to stand for the right and in the way of the opposition , either on the soccer field or in life. He has left behind a remarkable legacy and family , and he will always have a place in our hearts. Marr's family is in our prayers and we know that they can receive the peace and comfort that only the Savior can provide. Much love, Glenn & Rosilene
We are so sorry to hear about Marr. He was such a good friend to us and so many people who loved him. We will keep your family in our prayers.
Mary, although I did not know Matt, I knew you through my daughter, Emmy. I send my condolences and know after reading the obituary that you all will have wonderful memories of your life with such a cherished member of your family💕
A few kind words can mean a great deal to the family in the days ahead.
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