Compiled and written by David R. Schleper, 2024
William Francis Bill Marschall was born April 2, 1888, son of Anton Marschall (1857-1945) and Catherine Siebenaler Marschall (1863-1902). He was born on the family farm in Eagle Creek Township near Shakopee.
On Oct. 7, 1913 at St. Hubert’s in Chanhassen, Bill married Lauren Klein, the first daughter and third child of Emil Eugene Klein (1861-1937) and Angela Pauly Klein (1861-1948). Bill and Lauren were the parents of Vincent, Rita, Esther, and Raymond. Laura enjoyed sewing, family visits, her church, and baking, especially her apple pie. She was deeply religious, attended mass daily and was a member of St. Mark’s Christian Mothers, Catholic Order of Foresters, and the Third Order of St. Francis, according to A Marschall Family History 1784-2007 by Dorothy T. Klein, edited and published by Raymond W. Marschall and updated in 2007 by Katherine R. St. Clair.
Bill and Lauren first lived in a rented farm near Riley’s Lake, and then they lived in a house near Shakopee, and then rented a farm, near Bill’s parents’ place. While Bill grew up farming, he moved back to Shakopee and operated the Mobil gas station on Lewis Street, and with his son, Vince, operated a farm implement business. The family bought a house nearby, and Bill enjoyed being in Shakopee and being around others.
For many years, Bill Marschall acted as Santa Claus at private homes, schools, and Shakopee’s annual Children’s Christmas Party. In the Shakopee Argus-Tribune on Dec. 27, 1945, an article, “Shakopee Christmas Carol,” noted, “If some wise guy told you there isn’t any Santa Claus or that Christmas is just a day for kids, you can tell him he’s wrong on both; and you can call upon some 30 shut-ins at St. Francis Home and Hospital to back you.” The St. Francis Home and Hospital was the second hospital in Shakopee. The Sisters of St. Benedict erected a large two-and-a-half-story limestone building at the corner of Fourth and Atwood Street, south of St. Mark’s Church. It became St. Gertrude’s Convent and Academy from 1862-1880, the first school for women in Shakopee. Later it became the Poor House. In 1938, the Franciscan Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Angels bought and remodeled the Poor House and called it the St. Francis Hospital and Home for the Aged.
The old hospital continued to be used as a nursing home for 26 beds and convent. before it was torn down and now is a parking lot. After further expansions, St. Francis Hospital was changed to St. Francis Regional Medical Center. St. Francis Hospital (the third hospital in Shakopee) was opened in 1953. In 1996, this hospital was torn down and is now a parking lot. In 1996, a new, comprehensive and high-quality regional medical center was established. It was a new campus for St. Francis Regional Medical Center at 1455 St. Francis Avenue in Shakopee.
“That typical hospital quiet that folks, the afternoon visiting hours when all the patients are resting, had settled as usual in the institution Saturday afternoon. The sisters and nurses were busy and out of sight. The long first floor corridor was empty and still.”
“Quietly the north door opened and the stillness was gently disturbed by the small and measured tinkle of merry bells. Heads turned on white pillows, tired, searching eves peered through open doors and caught just a glimpse of a rotund and beaming figure in red and white; they knew he’d be back and their happy ears listened intently as the tinkle faded as the far end of hall where the steps rise to the second floor and the home of the aged.”
“…These were some of the residents of the home; these were the women who in years past had helped to make others happy at Christmas time. Now they were convinced the story that had been told was really true. As each received a simple paper bag encasing candy, peanuts, an apple and an orange, their smiling eyes grew misty; some drew frail hands before their faces and quickly retired to their rooms; some folded slight arms on their bosoms and literally hugged themselves in joy and gratitude.”
“…Back down the stairs two graying ladies, bed-ridden for many months, could only turn their heads and fairly nod their thanks while happiness shone in their wrinkled faces. From door-to-door went the bells ringing and bringing joy to the men and women who were not to be home for Christmas. Their momentary misfortune was forgotten and in its place was a memory that will remain long after their pain and sugaring has passed.”
Bill Marschall smiled and thought, “This was more fun!”
Bill served as Shakopee city alderman from 1943 to 1949. At the same time, he was on the Scott County Fair Association Board. He was president of St. Mark’s Men’s Club from 1938 to 1940. In 1920-23, he served as president of the Eagle Creek Township Club and was vice president and director of the Scott County Farm Bureau in 1935-39. He was president of the Shakopee Sportsmen Club. From 1930-32, Bill was Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council and was a member of the Third Order of St. Francis. His last activity was in the Golden Age Club.
William Francis Bill Marschall died at the age of 81 years on Dec. 2, 1969. Laura Christine Klein Marschall moved to Friendship Manor and died of pneumonia at the age of 85 years on Nov. 21, 1975. She was buried near her husband at the Shakopee Catholic Cemetery.