Bob "Swampy" Maresh

Swampy's prayer service is viewable at https://vimeo.com/event/3412467 The time of sharing is viewable at https://vimeo.com/829939467?share=copy Swampy's funeral mass is viewable at https://vimeo.com/event/3412519 Robert “Bob” “Swampy” Maresh passed away in the morning hours of May 16, 2023, surrounded by Matt, Lacie, Carrie, Adam, Kathryn, Wyatt and Jackson. Bob was born to Gaylyn and Kathryn (Sattler) Maresh on November 3, 1948, in Valley City. Bob grew up on the family farm by Baldhill Dam, then moved to Valley City and lived there the rest of his life. Bob met Carrie Winkels while he was coaching softball. They were married on August 26, 1983, at St. Catherines Catholic Church, Valley City. Bob and Carrie have two sons, Matthew and Adam. Bob loved his boys and was proud to have his name live on. Swampy was a local legend and a staple in the community. He owned and operated Bob’s Excavating for nearly 50 years. Bob loved his work and he was darn good at it. His days of wrestling for the VCHS Hi-Liners and VCSU Vikings drew crowds and packed the stands. Swampy, Swampy, Swampy is what the crowd would chant before his matches. He was a two-time All-American and three-time Conference Champion for the Vikings. Bob coached Bob’s Excavating Ladies and Men's softball teams in the 70‘s and 80’s. He coached and always stood up for his girls, especially against heckling spectators. Bob would never say no to helping anyone or donating his time or money to a cause. He loved following his boys’ sports, from their football games to their wrestling matches. Bob loved music, dance, and throwing parties at his shop or house. He loved playing cards no matter what game. His competitive spirit was a force to be reckoned with. Bob worked hard and played hard. Bob’s true light came in 2012, with his first grandsons. Then the gentle giant was tamed when his granddaughter Kathryn was born. Jackson was his hunter; Wyatt was his best buddy and Kathryn was his champ. He said, “There’s just something special about that girl”. Bob loved his Springer Spaniels: Lady, Freckles, Brandy, Bailey and Rocky. Bob Lived Fiercely, Loved Fiercely and Cared Fiercely. Bob, Carrie and the boys spent a lot of time in their camper every summer from the red van to the last 5th wheel. He was dedicated to his friends and family, especially to his brother Dennis’ sisters. He was a member of the Friendly Dakota Van Club, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Barnes County Wildlife Federation, Valley City Eagles and the list goes on and on. Bob is survived by his wife Carrie, sons Matthew (Lacie) and Adam; grandsons Wyatt and Jackson; granddaughter Kathryn; sisters Mary (Scott) Tangen, Pam Swenson, Debbie (Wayne) Eggert, Connie Maresh; a brother-in-law Mike Rasmussen; and several nieces and nephews. His in-laws Stan (Jan), Bernie, Ted (Deb) Winkels, Tom (Mavis) Winkels, Shelly (George) Piatz and Caren Winkels also survive him. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law Dennis and Eileen Maresh; sister Bonnie Rasmussen; brothers-in-law Terry Swenson, Chuck Winkels, Robert Anderson and Melvin Olauson; sisters-in-law Bonnie Anderson, Esther Winkels and Annette Olauson; and several nieces and nephews. The funeral mass will be held 10:30 am Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at St. Catherine's Catholic Church, Valley City, with visitation one hour before the service. Visitation will be Monday, May 22 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm with a prayer service at 7:00 pm at the Valley City Eagle's Club. Interment will be at St. Catherine Cemetery, Valley City. Memorials may be directed to Valley City Express Wrestling or The Open Door Center of Valley City. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel, Valley City. An online guestbook is available at www.olivernathanchapel.com

Bob "Swampy" Maresh

November 3, 1948 - May 16, 2023