Michael Martin Marnell

I Know

I know...Michael had a quiet and strong faith, loved deeply, lived honestly, and always said “God is bigger than all of us.”
I know…Michael loved being a husband, and his life with Eileen
I know…Michael cherished his family, his siblings, in-laws and mostly his wife, stepchildren and grandson. He embraced his stepchildren as his own, took delight in being “Pop Pop” to his grandson Carson, loved his “girls” Kayleigh and Gracie. We took comfort knowing our sweet Kayleigh went before Mike and was wagging her tail when she met him again.
I know…Michael loved his friends, especially the “Poker” group who were there through good and bad times and all his special friends from Holy Infant who knew him in his prior life as a priest. Michael enjoyed our many social engagements at DPAC, Dinner with Friends, Theater friends, and of course, the Poker Group
I know…Michael loved traveling to California, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Utah to visit and spend time with family.
I know…Michael enjoyed being in Music Ministry where he met his wife, Eileen, and being a member of Toastmasters for many years.
I know…Michael loved teaching as a respected professor at NC State. He proudly cheered for his alma, Duke University and rooted equally as hard for NC State
I know…Michael was not afraid to die, he accepted God’s plan and I know Michael is at peace.

Michael Marnell passed away peacefully in the early hours of Sunday, September 5, surrounded by loved ones. Michael had a rare autoimmune disease he lived with for 20 years, but eventually it took its toll and led to other health issues. Sadly, we will miss Mike’s presence and laughter, but we know he is whole again.

The family wants to thank all the doctors and nurses at Duke University Hospital, the Brian Center and Duke Hospice who cared for Mike these past couple of months and our wonderful family and friends who supported him through this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Infant Catholic Church in memory of Michael Marnell.

“Death is the ultimate act of love toward those we leave behind and toward God, whom we go to meet.”
Pope Francis Misericordia et Misera 15