Pete Marr, a respected coach most remembered for leading the state championship-winning football team in 1979, passed away on 26 January.
His leadership helped the Russell High School football team against Toivola-Meadowlands through a tough playoff run, where they won all three games by just six points combined.
Highlights
- Pete Marr’s wife, Nancy, shared that Pete’s hemoglobin levels had been dropping over the past few months, so he was hospitalized and needed four units of blood in 2021.
- Nancy attended Winona Senior High School and has deep roots in Onalaska, Wisconsin, where she resides.
- Pete Marr’s son, Eric Marr, shared a heartfelt message on Facebook to family and friends, announcing the passing of his father.
One of the most memorable moments was when he celebrated by performing a headstand, which became a favorite memory for the team.
In addition to coaching, Marr was an English teacher at Russell High School for many years.
Wife Nancy Marr Once Mentioned About Pete Marr’s Low Level Of Haemoglobin
Pete Marr is survived by their wife, Nancy Marr, and their son, Eric Marr.
Nancy Marr, a retired teacher, has had a distinguished career in education.
She studied Physical Education and Health at Southwest State University and later pursued Special Education at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
Nancy attended Winona Senior High School and has deep roots in Onalaska, Wisconsin, where she resides.
In 2021, Nancy shared that Pete’s hemoglobin levels had been dropping over the past few months, so he was hospitalized and needed four units of blood.
He felt better for a while, but his recent lab results showed his levels were dropping again.
Pete was scheduled to receive another unit of blood that day, and the following day, he was set to go to Rochester for a bone marrow biopsy.
However, she didn’t post an update after that.
57-year-old Eric Marr shared a heartfelt message on Facebook to family and friends, announcing the passing of his father, Pete Marr.
He wrote,
“It is with a heavy heart and really disbelief that I am posting that my father ‘Pete’ passed peacefully this morning. I do know that he had an impact on many lives during his time here on earth. This loss will leave a tremendous void that will never be filled. But, I am thankful to have been able to call him my dad for the past 57 years.”
Eric Marr
Similarly, Michael Peterson shared that in addition to his teaching and coaching, Pete supported Michael’s business for over 20 years, providing apparel and showing great taste in his choices.
Michael recalls Pete as a motivator who always asked tough questions about life’s priorities and what it took to succeed.
Pete challenged him to do more than just the basics and believed in his potential in sports and life.
Also, Michael fondly remembers how Pete and his wife, Nancy, always made him feel welcome.
He often arrived at their house at 5:00 am to start his day, and their door was always open.
Pete and Nancy were like his second parents, offering guidance, support, and care as if he were their child.
Pete Marr, esteemed coach and individual, passed away today. Notably, he led the state championship football team in 1979 and served as an English teacher in Russell for numerous years. His memory will be cherished. He also helped me for 20 plus years providing my apparel for my company. He’s got good taste as well! He was a motivator, memories include his always being straight forward asking about my priorities, and what I was willing to put into life. Was I going to be someone who did the little things, or willing to do all of the things. Believed in me, told me straight forward I would be successful in sports and life. Sense of humor, always with a loud “oh come on!”.. when in disbelief.
Michael Peterson
He and his beautiful wife, Nancy left their home door open, as I was over at their place at 5:00 am, always walking in to start my day. They were 2nd parents to me, guiding, giving, and caring about me as if I was their own.
Truly blessed with memories.
Pete Marr Had Been A Notable Head Coach For Bulldogs Against Toivola-Meadowlands
Regarding Pete Marr’s career, before Marr took over as head coach, Jeff Heerdt, the Bulldogs’ previous coach, had already emphasized the importance of weight training and team bonding, which helped shape the team’s strong unity.
When Marr stepped in, he introduced a highly effective 4-4-1 defense, which was so successful that it caught other coaches’ attention, though they struggled to replicate its success.
Marr understood that in reduced-player football, speed was crucial.
His team had plenty of quickness, a key advantage that set them apart.
Players like offensive lineman Mark Swift, despite weighing just 155 pounds, demonstrated remarkable speed that made up for any lack of size.
Pete’s coaching focused on maximizing the team’s agility, which paid off.
Additional Information
- Pete Marr studied English Education at Winona State University.
- He attended Adrian Secondary School.
- His son Eric Marr is married to Michele Marr.
