My good fortune to know Marv throughout high school.  Marv always made each day enjoyable, with his wit and smiles.
After high school we went separate ways. I will always have fond memories.  He was a great guy.
Attached are three pictures from the high school yearbook. 
Deep  sympathy and condolences to family and friends.
Jim Balow (Houston TX)
Henry Ford High School 1970


Marv, or “Mr. Petsch” as I knew him for so many years, holds such a place of fondness and joy in the lives of so many who’ve been lucky enough to experience his presence.  He will always remain every bit as much of the passionate educator, family figure, comedian, friend, and outright phenomenal example of a truly excellent person as he was when I was given the opportunity to look up to him. My heart goes to his family to offer the same strength he built into the pillars which continue to support those he’s empowered throughout his life.  In a time of sympathy and sadness such as this, perhaps he’d suggest everyone grab a beer and a pretzel.  Rest in peace, Mr. Petsch. 

Mr. Petsch will forever live in our hearts. I was lucky enough to have him as a teacher, coach, Driver’s Ed. Teacher, and eventually be able to work along side him as a teacher at Abbott. 

He always had the best sense of humor and continued to pull pranks on me not just as a student, but also a co-worker! I had to choose…Petsch Bucks or what was in the bag? I chose the bag and it was a pickle! Should have gone with the Petsch Bucks for the extra credit points! Lol! And nobody did Paczki day like he did!

He is part of the reason I went into the field that I did. He was firm, fair, and kept the attention of probably about 180 eighth  graders for almost a full hour every single day.  We loved him with all of our hearts and we will never forget him. 

Kelli Mason (Bush)

Nancy my dear friend and family we are so very for your loss. Marv was one of the best!

We will always cherish the great memories of our dear friend Marv. The Football games at the Big House, tailgating at the golf course, the stories the laughs his kindness and introducing us to Yuengling beer. I hope you and Joel are enjoying a heavenly beer and chicken wings. 

He will be in our hearts forever. 

Go Blue! 

Kenny and Michele 

I am deeply saddened to hear of Mr. Petsch’s passing. His passion for teaching and genuine care for his students left a lasting impact on all who knew him at Abbott Middle School. He was known amongst all as THE teacher to have for 8th grade history.

Mr. Petsch was an exceptional story teller. He would synthesize complex historical topics and weave them into stories (often adding whimsical humor) that middle schoolers could easily understand. His teaching style was so effective that middle schoolers would prudently save their binders of “Petsch notes” to prepare for AP History exams upon graduating to high school. 

I have many fond memories of Mr. Petsch. One of the more vivid memories I have is of the delicious Packzi’s he would bring for his students on Fat Tuesday. One year, he may or may not have encouraged a friendly eating competition, which ended with a classmate (likely the victor) ultimately getting sick in the hallway trash can! 

I’ll never forget you Mr. Petsch! May you rest in peace.

- Eric Steele 

P.S. the attached photo is a signed Bob Feller print I received as a gift from Mr. Petsch when he heard I had gone on to play college baseball. It remains a treasured possession of mine and a great memento of him for me.

I remember being in Abbott some 32 years ago, and becoming very good at taking notes. ❤️😊

I remember him being a very thoughtful, dedicated and kind teacher. 

What a great time we had coaching football together at WBHS. I also enjoyed your taking this Spartan to U of M football, baseball, & softball games. Your sense of humor left me rolling on the floor of the coaches' office. Rest in peace, my friend...Bill Mason

 I will always remember the great times we had coaching football at WBHS...You taking this Spartan to U of M football, baseball, & softball games were always  fun filled trips...What a sense of humor...You had me rolling on the floor in the coaches' office on many afternoons...Rest in peace, my friend...Bill Mason

My deepest condolences to the Petsch family on your loss.

I was fortunate enough to have Mr. Petsch in 2nd grade at Scotch School (Scorpions forever) and again in middle school at Abbott. I believe he had the biggest impact on my life as any teacher I ever had. His passion for sports rubbed off on me and prompted me to read the sports page every day at 8-years-old so that I could talk about it with him. We would bet a nickel or a piece of gum on games...and I was expected to pay up if I lost. I've been an avid sports fan (and occasional gambler) ever since. 

Reading the paper daily lead me to love the news, earn a journalism degree and a career in, and working with, the media. Despite Mr. Petsch playing records of longtime U of M broadcaster Bob Ufer game calls in the classroom, I somehow became a Spartan.  

I was pumped to get him again in 7th grade at Abbott. He was always upbeat and made things fun. I always looked forward to his class and therefore going to school. He paid me a compliment in class 40-years ago that I still cherish -- not because of anything I did -- but because of who he was. 

My very good friend Denny Rapal had Mr. Petsch with me in 2nd grade, and then went on  to teach in West Blomfield Schools. When he started, Mr. Petsch said, "Denny, we're colleagues now, call me Marv." Denny appropriately replied, "Whatever you say, Mr. Petsch." It's hard to be informal with someone you revere. 

I thought of Mr. Petsch, and asked about him often over the years. He will not be forgotten. He was and is a legend. 











My heart goes out the Mr. Petsch family. I am so sorry for your loss. He was such a good man. I had the luck to have him in 8th grade for American History. He made such an impact on my life. It's because of him that I love American history and politics to this day. I remember when he brought in Paczki's. It was so awesome. And having a teacher who had a passion for Michigan football, was just so cool. When UofM took on State, I remember him having all the students take a side. And when Michigan won, it was a very good week after the game. This man will always be in my heart.

Nancy, so sorry to hear about Marv. He was a great teacher and a fun guy to be around.  He would always help the bus drivers if we had issues with the kids. R I P Marv.

I'm so sorry to hear about Marv's passing. I have lifelong friends from his second grade class at Scotch School. We were his first class as a new teacher. He taught with passion & humor. 
He made learning fun and he will always be remembered.

To Nancy and the PETSCH family. I am so very sorry. Marv was an amazing man. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to be his therapist for many months. I have never seen someone was such a good attitude despite so many issues. He was always smiling  and happy. I learned so much from him and developed such a close relationship . I will miss his wisdom and kindness, you will be greatly missed. Rest in peace Marvin❤️. Tammy OT

I just learned that my middle school American History Teacher, Mr. Petsch passed away earlier this week. He was the best teacher. I remember every one taking copious notes during his lectures. I think I wrote down every word he said. He was so capitivating. He told stories. He made history interesting. He made me want to do well in his class. I didn’t want to let him down. I learned so much from him. Things that he said during that class I still say and remember today. He used to take orders from his students and bring us Polish dounuts (Paczki’s) on Fat Tuesday. Now that I am married to a a Polish man, whenever Tomasz brings Paczki’s home, I always think of Mr. Petsch. He was also my basketball coach. In the classroom he was “Mr. Petsch” on the basketball ball court, he was “Coach”. Despite my height, I was terrible at basketball and any sport for that matter. He used to say “Dixon use your height” and shake his head. It made me laugh. He also wrote me a recommendation letter for Interlochen. That changed the trajectory of my life! He really believed in me. He encouraged me. He made me feel smart. He made me feel tall. 💜

I am certain that he affected many students lives. They don’t make them like that anymore. How fortunate was I to have sat in this man’s classroom. I will never forget him.

Big League, Super Star, Hall of Famer.  That was Marv Petsch!  He  has to be in God's Hall of Fame.  No one can say a bad word about Marv.  He made the kids “pick up his class room” each day (Thanks Janitor); he told his kids “put your grocery cart back” (Thanks clerk); he taught them “Be good citizens!”.  Thanks to a great teacher.  He rose above the travails of life.  You all know what I mean.  He was so “positive” to so many lives.  There will be a big Hall of Fame Parade in heaven for Marv Petsch!  I love you my friend!
Theo

This photo is from the 1985 Abbott Middle School yearbook. Mr Petsch is unforgettable. He brought joy to the classroom and made school so much fun. 

Mr. Petsch was by far one of my all time favorite teachers EVER! He made learning history fun and he was one of the kindest men I’ve ever met. He made a profound impact on my life! 
Great teacher, great coach, great man! 
Sincerely- Jodie Stasiak 

Mr. Petsch made such an impact on his students. There is even an early Facebook group dedicated to students sharing memories of him. I remember how he would also make Paczki day special and how he made us excited to learn about the world and history. Definitely a building block in my life leading me to continue my studies in international relation and run for Congress. He will be missed and he will be a legend. 

Dr. Cindy Banyai (née Wachowski) 

So sorry for your loss!!  Marv was one in a million!! Abbott was a better place having you in it!!  We’ll miss you “Petsch”. Although you were taken way too soon…. I’m So happy you’re chillin’ with Joel!!  

I send my deepest sympathy to the entire Petsch family.  I was one of the privileged few to have Mr. Petsch both as my 2nd grade teacher at Scotch Elementary  and again at Abbott Middle School.  He always made going to school fun!  I remember being very excited when I heard he would be teaching at Abbott.

  He also nurtured my love for sports.  My 2nd grade year was the year Magic Johnson and MSU beat Larry Bird to win the NCAA Championship and Marv made us all Sparty fans that year even though he was a Wolverine fan.

Unfortunately, my family moved away from West Bloomfield before I got to high school and I never got to play football for Marv.  I am sure I would have loved having him as my coach.

One of my all time favorite teachers.

My thoughts and prayers for God’s comfort on your family at this time.

Sincerely,
Rick Hoaglin

I had the privilege of student teaching with Marv and EVERYONE (staff and students) loved him! He had a way of making US History fun!  He made the most of Fat Tuesday bringing in tons of Paczkis and when he talked about the assassination of Abe Lincoln, you felt like you were there. I have the best memories of student teaching with him. :). Wishing peace to his family and hoping good memories carry you through these difficult times. ❤️

Marv and I worked together for many years and he always made everyone laugh. Nancy, I feel for you and know you’ll find comfort in all the memories, the legacy he’s left and the lives of all the the children he taught.   Brenda Pawluchuk

So sorry to hear this very sad news. Mr. Petsch was such a great guy. My heart, love and prayers go out to Nancy, their daughter, family and friends.

OBITUARY

Marvin John Petsch

May 9, 1951 – July 25, 2023

H.P. Brandt Funeral Home

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