(1932-2016) Died on September 25th. Born August 11th in Rice, Minnesota, he grew up and attended college in Bemidji. He married Martha Marchand (McGuire) in 1957 and they spent the first two years of their marriage in Germany, where Bill was stationed with the tank corps in the army. After completing his PhD in Theater at the University of Minnesota in 1965, he was hired to teach Humanities on the University's St. Paul campus. He was an award-winning teacher, much beloved by his students. He also served for almost three decades as the advisor and director for Punchinello Players, a student theater group located on the St. Paul campus. He will be remembered for his far ranging curiosity, his love of ideas and good conversation, irreverent sense of humor, and deep love of his family. He was never without a book. He is predeceased by his parents, Louis and Adelaide Marchand, and his sister, Georgiana (Vance) Jackovich. He is survived by his three brothers, Louis (m. Mary Lou), Peter (m. Carol), and David (m. Mara), his wife, Martha of 58 years, his three children, Dan (m. Michelle), Mary (m. Nicholas), and Sarah (m. Dan), and his three grandchildren, Samuel, William, and Aaron. A memorial service will be held at 2:00, October 8th at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 2136 Carter Ave. St. Paul, 55108. All who knew Bill are invited to the service; a reception will follow. For additional questions, contact [email protected] Memorial contributions can be made to Keystone Community Services, 2000 St. Anthony Ave. St. Paul, MN 55104.

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Published by Pioneer Press on Oct. 2, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for William MARCHAND

Sponsored by St Paul Pioneer Press.

12 Entries

John Zillhardt

June 3, 2025

Professor Bill Marchand instructed In Search of Nature that I took in 2000 and was by far my favorite course during four undergraduate years. In certain ways I followed his footsteps that feel significant and somewhat evoke a book he gifted me, The Snow Leopard, that is inscribed with his name and the date Dec,1986. I am lucky to know him.

Rachel Mason Dentinger

May 16, 2018

Bill Marchand was a gem. I went searching for him today as I was delving into a rhetoric of science literature search and was sad to learn that he's gone from the world. He certainly enhanced my enjoyment of studying biology as an undergraduate and helped spur my curiosity about why biology is what it is--- the curiosity that led me eventually to the history of science. I will always remember his classroom fondly and even, years later now, I will try to channel his spirit as an instructor myself.

Heather Kelly

December 25, 2017

So sad my dad talked with Martha today & we found out Bill passed. Thank you so much for the laughs. You will be missed. With ❤ Heather Kelly

Dr Roland (Rollie) and Nellie Hofmeister

December 21, 2017

I worked with "Dr Bill" as the lighting man for Punchinello from Fall 1966 to Spring 1976. A wonderful man who will be greatly missed. There will never be another Dr Bill.

October 5, 2017

I found a book about Teilhard for you but I guess I'll have to wait until the next life.
Heyo

April 7, 2017

oh dad, miss you so much. your love for your children like a sun that warmed us. the world feels so much colder without you.

Heather Kelly

March 26, 2017

Sorry sorry to hear he passed

Mary Lloyd McBurney

February 21, 2017

Oh dear, dear Bill.

What a wonder he was. And brave... 'let me give you kids a motorcycle ride at Gordon. And he LOVED Gordon. What if you'd married someone who didn't love that part of your soul?

So tardy in my asking/ looking/ knowing he'd passed. Oh, Martha. You were alwsys good to me. Bill was a prize you fully held and enhanced and stood-by. And ENJOYED!

Truly loved! I'd like to be able to talk to you, My address book gone now, I can't call and am not all that smart anymore...

Dear one, what might it be to visit Boston for week? I've a 2-3 bdrm spot in Arlington - not for very long, but for these coming months, even a year.

Boston IS milder than MN. I do two interesting things: Shakespeare read-out-loud group at the SrCntr and Sunday mornings I take care of 8 (so lucky these goats!) goats at the nearby Audubon locale.

Might you ever come here? Do love you. Shattered life, mine; but SO glad to have 'felt' Bill, the laugh, the greeting, the wry wiseness..... that so-good energy. Beloved.

Joe Schmitz

October 27, 2016

I just found out about Bill's passing. He is remembered as a teacher, dear friend. and mentor. I recently quoted his "beauty, biology, and biography" mantra for making connections to the natural world. His "In Search of Nature" course helped me focus my own academic pursuits and deeply influenced my graduate thesis,and future paths taken as a teacher and naturalist.

Todd Davis

October 11, 2016

I learned today of Bill's passing today from my CPA. Sorry I missed the service. I first knew him in childhood as "Dan's Dad." Later I experienced his unforgettable teaching of "The Catcher in the Rye." I've used stories from that teaching throughout my life...always referring Bill's provocatively humorous lines. Godspeed to Dan, Martha and the rest of the family.

Florence Holmsten

October 10, 2016

We share with our prayers for your family at this time of loss. It was a gift to see see you at the Home as you faithfully visited daily. May you all share with love the best of memories. Our sympathy Dick and Florence Holmsten

Beverly Ferguson

October 2, 2016

I was so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. It was wonderful seeing you both recently at Episcopal Rehab. Somehow we have lost touch over these last years, but I have many happy memories of times spent together. My prayers are with you and your children.
Beverly Ferguson

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