Marion E. Neiger

Marion E. Neiger, age 88 of Marion, Ohio and formerly of New Philadelphia, died early Thursday morning, April 21, 2011, in Grant Medical Center at Columbus.A son of the late Edward W. and Clara Sherrets Neiger, Marion was born at New Philadelphia on July 10, 1922. He attended New Philadelphia City Schools and entered into the United States Navy in 1943 where he served aboard the USS New Jersey, the Iowa-class battleship also known as the “Big J”. Marion was proud to have served aboard the ship as a Boatsmans Mate as she completed her tours of duty during World War II. The experience aboard the ship was something he never forgot and recounted tales of his duties and adventures to family and friends alike throughout his life.On July 6, 1946, Marion married the former Rita Endres, and reared two daughters. The couple had a deep love for one another and did many of their activities throughout their 64 year union together.Prior to serving in the Navy, Marion worked in the area coal mines and returned to them following his service to our country in 1945. He later began working for Landmark at New Philadelphia as a tank truck driver and had a 31 year career with the firm and retired following 31 years of service.Upon his retirement, he and his wife spent winters in Florida and enjoyed other traveling opportunities. In his free time, Marion enjoyed fishing, hunting and spending summer months tending to his vegetable garden. In addition to his wife, Rita, Marion is survived by two daughters, Margaret (John) Ledrich of Massillon and Kathy (Allan) Brinkman of Marion, Ohio; two brothers, Eugene Neiger and Jack Neiger both of New Philadelphia and a sister, Bernice Nusbaumer of Massillon.Completing the family are two grandsons, John Marion (Carrie) Debevec of Canton and Adam (Brandi) Brinkman of Waldo, Ohio as well as numerous nieces and nephews.In addition to his parents, Marion was preceded in death by two brothers, William and Paul Neiger; and three sisters, Evelyn Detre, Janice DeVault, and Hattie Neiger.The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 26, 2011, from 5:00 â?? 7:00 p.m. in the Linn-Hert- Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Deacon Michael Thomas, Marion’s nephew, will lead Mr. Neiger’s service on Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home’s chapel. A graveside service in the Calvary Cemetery at New Philadelphia will follow where members of the New Philadelphia VFW will perform military honors.The family requests memorial contributions in Marion’s name be directed to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 139 Third Street NE, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.