Gilbert Larson "Gib" Marxen

Gilbert Larson "Gib" Marxen, 89, of Astoria, died Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010, in Astoria.

He was born March 27, 1920, in Astoria, to Henry P. and Minnie M. Marxen. In 1924, the family moved from Astoria to a small farm in the Lewis and Clark area, where his father raised loganberries and potatoes for the local markets.

In 1926, he started first grade in the old one room school in Lewis and Clark. In second grade, he attended the one room school in Youngs River. In 1928, he attended the new consolidated school in Lewis and Clark. He attended Astoria High School, graduating in 1938.

After high school, Mr. Marxen worked for several dairy farmers and in bent grass harvesting. He also worked a couple of seasons on the seining grounds as a teamster and beach hand, and for the Bonneville Power Administration clearing right of way for the power lines to Astoria. In 1940, he began working for Lockheed Aircraft Company in Burbank, Calif.

In early 1942, he joined the U.S. Navy, serving on several ships in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. He was honorably discharged in 1946, as an electrician mate first class, at Bremerton, Wash.

On August 13, 1950, he married Leatrice Nevills in Portland. She preceded him in death. The couple bought a house on Tucker Creek Road where they lived for 40 years.

After World War II, Mr. Marxen worked on several bottom fishing boats. He then went to work on the Port of Astoria dredge "Natoma," and worked for 17 years as the chief engineer. After the Port of Astoria sold the dredge, he worked on the port maintenance crew. In early 1970, he bought a working share in the Astoria Plywood Mill. He retired in 1983.

He was a 50-year member of the Netel Grange and a longtime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 371. He was also a longtime member of Pioneer Presbyterian Church and a charter member of the Astoria Senior Citizens and Clatsop County Historical Society. He was an active member of the Clatsop County Sheriff's Posse in the 1970s, and enjoyed riding his horses in the regatta parades.

Family members said he and his wife enjoyed traveling throughout the Southwest and to Alaska. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, clam digging and puttering around his workshop.

He is survived by a sister, Marthann Hall of Walla Walla, Wash.; a sister-in-law, Elma Rae Marxen-Griffin of Astoria; 10 nieces; and three nephews.

He was preceded in death by a brother, William "Bus" Marxen.

A memorial will be held at a later date.

Private interment will take place at Lewis and Clark Cemetery in Astoria.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pioneer Presbyterian Church or Clatsop County Historical Society, in care of Caldwell's Luce-Layton Mortuary, 1165 Franklin Ave., Astoria, OR 97103.