Rev. David Marth
April 23, 1947 - February 19, 2021
David Bruce Marth was called to glory February 19, 2021. Rev. Marth was born on April 23, 1947, in Wausau, Wisconsin. His began honing his oratorical talents, early in life. In his high school years he won the American Legion National Oratorical Contest and was invited to speak at both the Republican and Democratic National Conventions in 1964. Upon graduation from Wausau East High School, Marth studied the ministerial program at Concordia University-St. Paul (MN) and was a member of the Concordia-St. Paul basketball, baseball, tennis programs, and later inducted into the university’s athletics Hall of Fame.
Marth continued his faith-based education and athletic career at Concordia Seminary-Fort Wayne (IN) and Concordia Seminary-St. Louis (MO) before a vicarage took him to Christ Lutheran Church in Phoenix (AZ). After graduation, Marth returned to Christ Lutheran where he served in roles as Assistant and Senior Pastor until 1982 when the Lord led him to accept a call as Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Jackson (MI). Three years later, Marth served as the Director of Development at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He also served with The Lutheran Altenheim in St. Louis where his concentration centered around fundraising. Marth returned to the pulpit full-time as Senior Pastor at Historic Trinity Lutheran Church in Soulard, downtown St. Louis. He spent two decades leading Trinity and was involved in various outreach programs, including his missionary work to Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Germany, Belize, Panama, and two trips to India. After more than 40 years in the ministry, Marth retired in 2013 but continued to serve the Lord in various capacities.
Marth is preceded in death by with his parents, Louis and Marion Marth, sister Diane (Groff) Marth, and countless other family members and beloved friends. He is survived by his life partner, and wife of 51 years, Mary (Patten) Marth, daughters Jennifer (Berger) Marth and Melissa (Paretti) Marth, son Benjamin Marth, son-in-law's Craig Paretti and Robert Berger, daughter-in-law Kristy Marth, and nine grandchildren -- CJ, Mary, Jack, Trent, Samantha, Lilly, Addie, Charlie, and Kaden.
Service Information Sunday, March 7, 2021
Visitation: 2-3 p.m.
Memorial Service: 3:30 p.m.
Historic Trinity Lutheran Church
812 Soulard Street
St. Louis, MO 63104
Clergy who wish to participate, please email Josh Hatcher at Josh Hatcher pastorhatcher@trinitystlouis.com, as space is limited due to COVID-19 restrictions.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking donations to be sent in David's honor to:
Trinity Lutheran Church -- Community Care
812 Soulard Street
St. Louis, MO 63104
-- or --
American Parkinson’s Disease Association – Greater St. Louis Chapter
1415 Elbridge Payne Road, Suite 150
Chesterfield, MO 63017
Proverbs 3:5-6:
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."