Remembering Deacon Daniel Matthias Marthe

(Photo provided)

Deacon Daniel Matthias Marthe, 97, a devoted servant of the Church and beloved husband, father and grandfather, was called home to the Lord on June 21, 2025, surrounded by his loving family in Loveland.

Born on May 13, 1928, in Northgate, North Dakota, to Mathias Marthe and Eva Gefroh, Dan was baptized on May 20, 1928, and confirmed on June 29, 1940, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Karlsruhe, ND.

He married the love of his life, Mary Frances “Fran” Zigweid, on September 3, 1956, at St. John the Baptist Parish in Buffalo, Wyoming. Together, they shared more than 67 beautiful years of marriage, rooted in faith and family.

Deacon Dan was ordained to the diaconate on June 16, 1984, by Archbishop James V. Casey. He served faithfully in ministry for over 30 years across several parishes in the Archdiocese of Denver, including St. John the Evangelist Parish in Loveland (1984–1991), St. Therese Parish in Frederick (1991–1996), and Holy Family Parish in Fort Collins (1997–1999). He retired from active ministry on October 8, 1999, but never ceased to witness to Christ’s love through his quiet service, deep prayer and enduring presence in the community.

In addition to his diaconal ministry, Dan founded and owned Dan’s Lawn & Gardening Service, where he combined his love of nature with a hard-working spirit and warm, personal care for others.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Fran; daughters Katherine Miller, Mary Marthe, JoAnne Marthe and Jeanie Ward (Greg); five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He will be remembered as a man of humility, tireless devotion and unwavering faith.

“Deacon Dan Marthe lived the essence of the diaconate, hidden service, joyful sacrifice and enduring faith in Christ,” said Deacon Ernest Martinez, archdiocesan director of deacons. “He was a humble servant in our archdiocese, and his legacy will continue in the hearts of those he served. We give thanks to God for his witness.” 

A vigil will be held on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Loveland. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 15, at 10:00 a.m. at the same parish. For those unable to attend in person, the Mass will be livestreamed here. A reception will follow, and Deacon Dan will be laid to rest at Resthaven Memory Gardens in Fort Collins at 1:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John the Evangelist Parish. Messages and memories may be shared online at resthavencolorado.com.

May the angels lead this faithful servant into Paradise.