Janos Marias

Márias, János (John), was born on January 29th, 1927, in a small farmhouse in the very small town of Tázlár, Hungary. He was the eldest of three siblings, and experienced numerous adventures. Over the years, he shared with us his fondest memories of that time. At age 16, he joined the (Hungarian) army to fight for his country. He was eventually captured and spent the majority of the war in a Russian POW camp. He was released at age 18, and arduously made his way home, emaciated and shell-shocked, only to discover everything irrevocably changed: there was no more farm, no more farming. He eventually made his way to Budapest to pursue his education, and obtained a degree in civil engineering. He worked in and around Budapest as a civil engineer, rebuilding structures damaged during the War. He also saw the encroaching of Communism, and it’s insidious devastation. Always a fighter for freedom, he realized that he had to leave his beloved homeland. In 1956, he escaped Hungary, and made his way to America. 

His search for the American Dream brought him to California. Upon his arrival, he spoke not a word of English, but began teaching himself word by word via a Hungarian-English dictionary. During this time he earned his living through a series of odd jobs including working in a hot-dog factory, and painting cars. János joined a social group for immigrants and singles called “The Sunday Supper Club”. He was a fabulous cook, and when it came his turn to host, he cooked one of his favorite meals: a chicken dish called Csirka Paprikás: (Cheer-ka pup-ree-kahhs). Through this, he met Lisa (Kraus). They married on Christmas Eve, 1961. As János’ English improved, he was able to use his civil engineering education, and began doing post-earthquake repair and reconstruction. It was through this work that János met the man who would introduce him to Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho.

Alarmed by the rapid rise of crime in the inner city in California, János and Lisa sought to protect their burgeoning family. They moved to what was then the small, sleepy town of Coeur d’Alene. János continued his work in building (re)construction. He also earned a Realtor’s License. In 1972, he purchased the Roosevelt School (built in 1905). He purchased additional property, in Cd’A including the land on which he built our house, in Fernan (now Fernan Village). In 1980, János converted the Roosevelt School into an office building, and later into the Roosevelt Inn Bed And Breakfast which allowed the building to remain on the National Register of Historic Places. 

János loved the outdoors. Northern Idaho was the perfect place for him to pursue his loves of hunting and fishing. He had a backyard orchard of fruit trees, a small vegetable garden, and at the age of 80, he even took up golf! 

János had a quiet, deep faith which gave him the strength to fight against oppression: from the injustices he experienced during the War, to the bane of Communism. He always set the highest expectations for himself. He taught us all the value of hard work, to always strive for excellence, and to never give up! Sadly, several years ago, his mind became ensnared by dementia which he struggled against in his own way. Despite health complications, he remained as physically active as possible until very shortly prior to his death. 

In the very early morning of November 11th, 2024, The Lord freed János from his earthly constraints, and took his soul into Heaven. He passed peacefully, in the presence of family. 

He is preceded in death by his parents: Máriás, János Sr. who died in 1975, and (Kovác), Máriás, Eter, who died in 1991. His brother Ferenc, 2008, and Frenec’ wife Jolán, in 2014.  

He is survived by his wife of 63 years: Máriás, Lisa, and his three children: Susan, (Ed Ralston), Anita (Jay Lopes), and Paul Marias, as well as quite a few nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. 

Family would like first to thank their close family friends and neighbors who could be counted on to provide assistance day or night, as well as the Priests at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church. A special thank you to the staff at Kootenai Medical Center and Hospice of North Idaho, for the expert care in the weeks and days prior to János’ passing.  

Thank you to all for being a special part of a life well-lived.