SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – John A.E. Marzolf, 65, of San Francisco, Calif., died Jan. 12, 2013, in his residence, surrounded by family, after a long illness. He was born to Emil and Anne Marzolf. He is survived by his devoted wife of 38 years, Susie Groninger Marzolf, formerly of Warsaw. He worked more than two decades as a paralegal for several law firms in the San Francisco area and most recently worked at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan. Prior to entering the legal field, he operated several businesses. He was always learning. He attended San Francisco public schools, West Portal Lutheran School; Concordia High School, Oakland; and Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne. He received his paralegal certification from San Francisco State University. He had an abiding interest in the natural world and followed his curiosity to delve into the study of fungi, cacti and succulents, pine nuts and bees. A native San Franciscan, he was also a great student of the city’s history and politics and spent many hours researching at the Mechanics Library. As an elder in the West Portal Lutheran Church, he also took a great interest in Biblical studies and was quite knowledgeable about Biblical history and archaeology. He was a vital part of a large and loving family and shared much of his enthusiasm and energy with his many nephews and nieces, and later, their children as well. Also surviving are a brother, David (and spouse Helen); and three sisters: Joan (and spouse Ron) Funke; Emily (and spouse Robert) Mainieri; and Mary (and spouse James) Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at West Portal Lutheran Church, San Francisco. Calling is from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday. ***** Memorials may be made to the Cancer Society, Hospice; or West Portal Lutheran Church.
