John Robert “Gunther” Marnell

John Marnell - Evan Mills, NY - Rochester Cremation

John Robert “Gunther” Marnell died at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY on March 10, 2021, after a short but hard-fought battle with AL Amyloidosis at the age of 57.

Born December 29, 1963, in Canton, New York, son of Dennis and Mary Jane (Klock) Marnell.  John will be forever remembered by his loving wife and best friend, Stephanie.  He is survived by his mother and her partner, William, Ocala Florida, a daughter, Kelsey Marnell, Clayton, NY, a daughter, Katelynn Marnell and her children, Kennedy and Leo, Clayton, NY a step-son, John M. Lutz, Watertown, NY a step-daughter, Collene Doney and her husband, Ryan, and their children, Samuel and Grayden, Victor, NY, a step-son, Matthew Comini,  Honolulu, HI, a step-son, Nicholas Comini, Honolulu, HI, his brother James Marnell and wife Jennifer, his sister, Becky Marnell and her fiancé Mike Sipple, Temple, AZ, his sister Christina Marnell and her fiancé Evaristo Arizpe, McAllen, TX and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

John graduated from Indian River High School in 1982.  John was a NY State Corrections Officer for 32 years with his last assignment at the Gouverneur Correctional Facility where he retired December 10, 2020.  John was a long-time member of the Evans Mills Fire Department and played on the Watertown Red and Black football team.  He and his wife Stephanie were married in Evans Mills, New York on their farm on August 10, 2012.   John lived his life in Evans Mills, New York where he raised his family and built his pride and joy, The Just Wingin’ It Poultry Farm, with Stephanie.   John loved working with his hands and will always be remembered as an avid sportsman who loved the outdoors, camping, NASCAR and dirt motorsport racing, ice fishing, and big game hunting.   John’s children remember him as being a hardworking, caring, loving father and grandfather.   He was a real people person, could always be counted on to lend a hand, and made any gathering better with his enormous sense of humor and love of life.

A memorial service will be held on the 3rd of April 2021, location TBD based on current COVID restrictions.   John’s family would like to thank everyone for their support, for their caring words about Johnny, and for sharing their memories of his impact in their lives.

You learn more and support the fight against Amyloidosis at amyloidosis.org.

54 Condolences

  1. Linda Bonham on March 15, 2021 at 5:22 pm

    My thoughts and prayers continue for the family. Words cannot express my sorrow.

    • Stephanie Marnell on March 17, 2021 at 8:02 am

      Thank you Linda.

  2. Theresa L Quintin on March 15, 2021 at 5:51 pm

    My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. Johnny will be missed by his community.

    • Stephanie Marnell on March 17, 2021 at 8:03 am

      Thank you, Teresa. Garage Daytona parties just won’t be the same… love you.

  3. Debbie Streeter on March 15, 2021 at 6:10 pm

    Thoughts, love and prayers are with you all

    • mike birchenough on March 15, 2021 at 6:36 pm

      rip johnny u will be missed by all .condolances to his family

    • Stephanie Marnell on March 17, 2021 at 8:04 am

      Thank you, Debbie. You will forever be our favorite personal Uber driver and much much more.

  4. Margaret canale on March 15, 2021 at 6:30 pm

    My prayers and thoughts are with you all.

    • Stephanie Marnell on March 17, 2021 at 8:04 am

      Thank you, Margaret.

  5. Brittany and Jeremy Westmoreland on March 15, 2021 at 6:30 pm

    We are so sorry for your loss and wish your family tons of healing. We will always remember the amazing time John and you showed us at the farm.

    • Stephanie Marnell on March 17, 2021 at 8:07 am

      Jeremy and Johnny had the same goofy mentality. Appreciated the laughs and help on our processing days. Thank you, Westmoreland family. forever our friends.

  6. Matthew Montroy on March 15, 2021 at 6:48 pm

    Always a good friend and good car pool pal. Even after retirement he made sure I had my eggs. Going to miss you John. Rest In Peace. You were so strong but the good lord needed you.

    • Tom Charlton on March 15, 2021 at 9:13 pm

      My condolences to John’s family. John and I went way back to our weightlifting days when I had my gym in Watertown. Worked him in corrections. “Salt of the Earth “

      • Lori Drake on March 16, 2021 at 8:06 am

        My heart is with you all. So sorry.

    • Stephanie Marnell on March 17, 2021 at 8:12 am

      Matt, thank you so much for supporting our farm adventure, selling our products in the NC Store was one of the greatest “leaps” we had. I appreciate your friendship with Johnny and me.

    • Stephanie Marnell on March 21, 2021 at 5:20 am

      Thank you, Matt. And thank you for supporting our hobby farm adventure.

  7. Lewis Fults on March 15, 2021 at 7:01 pm

    Our thoughts and prayers are with your families during the days ahead.

    • Stephanie Marnell on March 21, 2021 at 5:21 am

      Thank you, Lewis.

  8. Beth Benton on March 15, 2021 at 7:29 pm

    My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of sorrow.

    • Stephanie Marnell on March 21, 2021 at 5:22 am

      Thank you, Beth.

  9. Greg Evans on March 15, 2021 at 7:37 pm

    My condolences to the family and especially Stephanie been a long time since we’ve seen each other and I’m so sorry for your loss thinking of yall may God bless

    • Stephanie Marnell on March 21, 2021 at 5:22 am

      Greg Evans, it has been 100 years! Thank you for your condolences. Hope you are well.

  10. kathy Cook and carl cook on March 15, 2021 at 10:18 pm

    so sorry for your loss stephanie John will always be with u in your heart prayers to all

    • Stephanie Marnell on March 21, 2021 at 5:23 am

      Thank you, Kathy & Carl.

  11. Justin Taylor on March 15, 2021 at 10:23 pm

    John was a good man. I enjoyed our chats during our time together at GCF

    • Stephanie Marnell on March 21, 2021 at 5:23 am

      Thank you for your condolences, Justin.

  12. James Zehr on March 16, 2021 at 6:08 am

    Prayers Sent to the Family and Friends. R.I.P. my Friend.

    • Stephanie Marnell on March 21, 2021 at 5:24 am

      Thank you, Jimmy.

  13. Wendy Reed Clinch on March 16, 2021 at 8:11 am

    I graduated with John way back in 1982 and my memories of him always bring a smile to my face. He was super sweet, and funny.
    He always had a smile on his face whenever our paths would cross.
    I’m so sorry for your loss, and pray God gives you peace and friends and family give you comfort.

    • Stephanie Marnell on March 21, 2021 at 5:25 am

      Thank you for sharing your memories, Wendy. That sense of humor is what first made me fall in love with him. Always smiling. Thank you.

  14. Jilayne Salisbury on March 16, 2021 at 9:18 am

    Loving and heartfelt thoughts for you and your family.

    • Stephanie Marnell on March 21, 2021 at 5:25 am

      Thank you, Jilayne.

  15. Ronald Young on March 16, 2021 at 9:41 am

    Worked with John at C.V.C.F. Great Guy. Condolences to family. RIP

    • Stephanie Marnell on March 21, 2021 at 5:26 am

      Thank you, Ronald.

  16. Chuck & Cathy on March 16, 2021 at 10:16 am

    Our condolences to Stephanie and family. Johnnie will be missed by all who knew him.

    • Stephanie Marnell on March 21, 2021 at 5:27 am

      Thank you, Chuck and Cathy.

  17. Kevin Eassa on March 16, 2021 at 10:37 am

    So very sorry to all, John was a great guy and will be missed..

    • Stephanie Marnell on March 21, 2021 at 5:27 am

      Thank you, Kevin.

  18. Pam and Jeff Putney on March 16, 2021 at 11:43 am

    Thoughts and prayer go out to all of you…may you RIP John

    • Stephanie Marnell on March 21, 2021 at 5:28 am

      Thank you, Pam and Jeff.

  19. Mary Yott on March 16, 2021 at 12:48 pm

    So very sorry for your loss❤️

    • Stephanie Marnell on March 21, 2021 at 5:28 am

      Thank you, Mary.

  20. Steve Frank on March 16, 2021 at 1:00 pm

    My condolences to John’s family. I was a classmate of John’s at Indian River and very saddened to hear of his passing. He was one of the toughest, most fearless people I have ever known. But always had time and a smile for anyone.

    Looking over the pictures, messages and memories of John, he will be missed. But I am certain his spirit and legacy will live on.

    Prayers to his family and friends.

    Rest easy John.

    • Stephanie Marnell on March 21, 2021 at 5:29 am

      Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your memories, Steve.

  21. Pete and Joan Dougall on March 16, 2021 at 4:00 pm

    Our sincere condolences to Stephanie and all of John’s family. John was a special part of the Evans Mills community and will be fondly remembered by all who knew him!

    • Stephanie Marnell on March 21, 2021 at 5:30 am

      Thank you, Pete and Joan.

  22. John and Allison Clement on March 17, 2021 at 10:28 am

    Stephanie, we are so sorry to hear of your loss.

    • Stephanie Marnell on March 21, 2021 at 5:30 am

      Thank you, John and Allison.

  23. Robyn L. Sayre on March 18, 2021 at 7:14 am

    Prayers and sincere condolences to Stephanie and the entire family during this difficult time! My heart goes out to the entire family. Always remember that if you need anything at all Stephanie, we are just a phone call away.

    • Stephanie Marnell on March 21, 2021 at 5:30 am

      Thank you, Robyn.

  24. Jackie gallup on March 18, 2021 at 2:00 pm

    I think of john often, I see his handiwork in every room of our house.he was always there for tom and I. A special guy with a wonderful family.

    • Stephanie Marnell on March 21, 2021 at 5:31 am

      This brought a smile to my face. Good times at your home. Our guys were gone too soon. Take care.

  25. Jessica Reape on March 20, 2021 at 7:36 am

    We’re so sorry for your loss! Thinking of you and your family Stephanie!

    • Stephanie Marnell on March 21, 2021 at 5:31 am

      Thank you, Jessica.

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