Bernard J. Marsnik

Bernard “Fuzzy” Joseph Marsnik passed away on January 16, 2014 at Essentia Health in Virginia. He was born January 21, 1934 in Ely, Minnesota, the 9th of 13 children to Slovenian parents who stressed the importance of education. As a child, he was an avid sports fan who especially loved baseball. In 1951, he graduated from Ely High School. He attended Vermillion Community College and later, St. John’s University where he earned degrees in mathematics, science and education. As a recipient of President Kennedy’s National Science grant, he also earned a masters degree in higher Mathematics from The University of Pittsburgh. Fuzzy began his teaching career in Perham, Minnesota, but spent more than 35 years teaching math at Biwabik High School. He also worked briefly at Mesabi East High School in Aurora. Fuzzy loved teaching and considered his work with students to be one of the highlights of his life. He had an incredible knack for remembering students’ names, even decades after they graduated. He was known for his fairness, kindness, and his horrible math jokes. While working at the high school, Fuzzy was also a union steward and a beloved coach. He coached champion teams in swimming, baseball, basketball, and golf. In 1967 he married Ellen Jayne Gorman, the love of his life, who had four children whom he cherished and raised as his own. He and Jayne had three more children. They moved to Lake Esquagama where Fuzzy enjoyed fishing, golfing, and supporting his beloved Vikings, Twins, and Gophers. A lifelong democrat and strong union supporter, Fuzzy was a proud liberal who dedicated his life to helping the poor and underprivileged. Inspired by his unwavering faith in social justice, he was active in politics; believing, as his friend Paul Wellstone did, that politics was not about power, but the improvement of people’s lives. Fuzzy also helped his wife Jayne run Package Liquor, where he enjoyed socializing with friends and former students. Fuzzy will be remembered as gentle giant who loved family, especially babies. He taught his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren to be compassionate and to work hard. He always put the needs of others before his own, and would offer the shirt off his back to a stranger in need. He was a fierce fantasy football competitor who won his league more than any other member. Fuzzy is survived by seven children: Colleen Gorman of St. Paul, Margaret “Peggy” Wilson (Rick) of Lakeland, Mary Stachovich (Gary) of Biwabik, Katy Gorman of LaPointe, WI, Tom Marsnik (Jennifer) of Blaine, Megan Marsnik (Jason Langer) of St. Paul, and Shannan Marsnik (Matthew Wolfe) of St. Paul; four sisters: Francis Weiller of CA, Ruth Mahin of OR, Delores (Charlie) McNulty of Ely, MN, Jeanette (John) McMannus of AR, and one brother, Raymond (Pat) of Ely, MN. He has 19 surviving grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife Ellen Jayne Marsnik who died 7 months ago; sisters Marie and Annette, and brothers Leo, Don, Al, George, and Leonard; and grandson Patrick Wilson and foster grandson Derek Maki. Memorial Mass will be 10am Tuesday January 21, 2014 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Biwabik with Fr. Steven Daigle as celebrant. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the mass at church. Inurnment will be in the Biwabik Township Cemetery. Arrangements by Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert.