Marvin "Poncho" Edwin Sage

Marvin (Poncho) Edwin Sage passed away at home and went on to his eternal home on October 24th. He was born in La Crosse on September 29, 1934 to Russell and Ruth (Losie) Sage.

Marv was the oldest of seven children. He graduated from Tomah High School in 1953. After graduation he enlisted in the Marines and served for 2 years guarding the 38th parallel as a communications operator. On September 7th, 1957 Marv married his high school sweetheart Beverly Barry. Together they raised three children. After serving an apprenticeship he went on to become a journeyman plumber. Some of the local projects he was part of were the St. Francis Hospital (MCHS) and Central High School.

Marv had many interests outside of work including wood carving, card playing, and most importantly fishing. Prior to his passing, his brother “Ducker” was a frequent companion. In his golden years thanks to The Float in Dresbach, Marv enjoyed many an afternoon meeting new people and catching the big ones.  Marv also enjoyed pool tournaments and games of Trivial Pursuit with his family and friends. If anyone wanted to go to breakfast, he was definitely in. He often went with his good friend Bob Hansen. Thanks for buying!

Among his many admirable qualities, his humor stood out above them all. Marv had an extraordinary sense of humor. He had the best “zingers” at the right time which always lightened the mood and made people feel comfortable. In addition, if you were a friend of Marv’s you had a friend for life and could count on his loyalty and unwavering support. Lee Sage (Marv’s cousin) was among his closest friends.  Marv enjoyed many games of cards, visits to the farm, deer hunting in Coon Valley and fishing adventures with Lee.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and is survived by his loving wife Beverly and three children Cindy (Steve) Bluske and their children Katie and Tyler; Mark (Jeannette) Sage and their children Fallon and Colton; and Lori Sage and her children Everett, Alaina and Emily Miller. He is also survived by his sister Vicki (Paul) Janusheske, sister-in-law Maggie and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Russell and Ruth, siblings Bob (Jackie), Russell Jr., Larry and Sandy (Jerry) Riebe.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, October 29, 2018 at 10:30 AM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Onalaska. Msgr. Steven Kachel will officiate. Burial will be in the Onalaska City Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Monday from 9:00 AM until the time of services. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred.