Marshall Lee Bardell, 89, of Morris, Illinois passed away Saturday December 20, 2024 at his home.

Born on December 8, 1936 in Stockton, Illinois, Marshall was the son of the late Ralph and Elizabeth Bardell. He grew up on the family farm in Stockton in a house build by his father and he treasured his time on the farm. Marshall also drove trucks of all kind to support his family, from milk trucks in his early years to large tractor-trailers later in life. Marshall joined the military and trained at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri when he was 21. During that time, he met the love of his life Martha Jane Cooley in nearby Springfield, Missouri and married on July 29, 1959.

In his driving career, he drove over 3 million miles, was awarded a special honor for the miles that he drove, and he did so without an accident. He hauled goods of all kinds to every state in the United States and even Canada, and the honor of being selected to haul military top-secret assets. Marshall came to Morris with Martha in the late 1960’s and retired at the age of 62 in 1998. In his personal life, he loved getting up early every morning, usually around 4:30am and would often meeting his friends for coffee before coming home to his family. Marshall was a devoted father and husband, and was always looking to help his friends on the farm.

Survivors include his sons Scott Bardell of Fridley, Minnesota, Mark Bardell of Lockport, Illinois and Michael Bardell and his wife Kathleen of Alpharetta, Georgia, and his brothers Eldon and Ray. Marshall had 4 grandchildren, Deandra and Ben (Scott) and Beau and Claire (Michael). Marshall was preceded in death by his wife Martha, his parents, his brother Merle, his sister Carol and his brother Wayne.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life at a time to be determined.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.FrulandFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Marshall’s memorial page.

Cremation services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-942-0700)