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Marlin Kent Shaw

Nov. 24, 1961 - May 19, 2025

Date of Service: May 27, 2025

IDAHO FALLS – Marlin Kent Shaw, a 63-year-old resident of Idaho Falls, passed away from a very short battle with pancreatic cancer on Monday, May 19, 2025, at his home in Idaho Falls.

Marlin was born November 24, 1961, to Fredrick Garth Shaw and Martha Joyce Maxwell. He was a beloved stepson to Lareta Shaw. He had one sister and two brothers, Cyn Dalton of Boise, Idaho, Bryan Shaw of Mesa, Arizona, and Terrence Shaw who was stillborn. He graduated from Burley High School in 1980. He worked with his family on their dairy farm in the Burley/Paul area until he went to college at BYU.

Marlin served a Spanish speaking mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Caracas Venezuela mission from January 1981 to January 1983. He and his wife Dana (Rutschke) Shaw and their son Jeremy were sealed in the Jordan River Temple on May 20, 1987. He graduated from BYU in 1994 with an MBA and pursued a career in corporate tax. Throughout his career he resolved financial challenges, which he loved. He was gifted with an analytical mind that easily solved hurdles in his work. His most recent position was Chief Tax Officer at Herc Rentals. He planned to retire in the fall of 2026.

Marlin always looked for opportunities to serve others and sought nothing in return. The highlight of his year was playing the role of Santa during Christmas as his father, Garth, did. In doing so, he held children on his lap as they made a simple wish for a toy, or a bittersweet pleading for a family of their own. These experiences fulfilled Marlin in ways no wrapped gift ever could.

Family was sacred to Marlin and he spent every moment possible with them. Disney World was one of his most treasured vacation spots. He savored the magic of the memories made there. Some of the last vacations he took were cruises with his wife and children and beloved friends.

His spirit of love and faith lives on in his wife, Dana; and their three children, Jeremy Ryan (Jeanette) Shaw; and two daughters, Candace Ann Shaw and Lindsey Marie (James) Fowler. Marlin was known as “Gaga” to his 11 grandchildren, whom he cherished beyond measure. He was preceded in death by his parents, Garth Shaw and Martha Maxwell; and his brother, Terrence Shaw.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home located at 1350 East 16th Street in Burley, with his brother-in-law, Layne Rutschke, officiating. Burial will follow at Paul Cemetery.

Family and friends will be received from 12 noon until 1:45 p.m. prior to the service.

“And so our journey comes to an end. But yours continues on. Grab ahold of your dreams and make them come true. For you are the key to unlocking your own magic. Now go. Let your dreams guide you. Reach out and find your Happily Ever After.”

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/NMmVM8lTC3U.

Condolences for Marlin Kent Shaw

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Brad Taylor:

You don’t find friends better than Marlin. He was selfless and always good for a laugh. So sorry for your loss.

From Trudie Pettingill Dymock:

What a tremendous individual he was!! I am so sorry for your loss.

From Charlene (Nagle) Godding :

Marlin was such a fun classmate. He made us laugh. God bless you all.

From Parker Smith :

I remember how brother Shaw would get all the men together at ward/branch activities at the beach to talk about preseason BYU football. I remember one time when dad, brother Fernandez, and others were circled around under a pop-up tent and brother Shaw said "well, it's that time of year again!" He proceeded to launch into football talk about the upcoming season. His enthusiasm and love of BYU sports really impacted me and contributed to my love of it as well.

From Dale Garrard:

Marlin is one of the OG crew. I have great memories of football practices in the old Declo field while we were transplanted out there for the fall of 8th grade. I love you, man.

From Sherry LeMeur:

One of my fondest memories of the Shaw family was the Halloween party when they dressed as characters from the Wizard of Oz. Too cute! He was a good man who adored his family!

From Shylah & Jason Perkins :

We are sorry to hear of Marlin's passing. We only got to know him for a short time many years ago, but he was always gracious and welcoming for our family. We are truly sad for your family as you greive your loss.

From Brad Probst:

I was so sad to hear of the passing of Marlin. He was one of the best friends I ever had. Marlin had a great influence on my life and he led me on many of my life’s greatest adventures. My thoughts and prayers are with Dana and her family.

From Jon Searle:

Sorry to hear of Marlins passing. Sure have some good memories from being on the wrestling team with him and as a friend

From Gene Young:

Marlin was a friend to all. Rest in peace Marlin.

From Brent Johnson:

Marlin was my best friend and will always be.

From Kyle L Bodily:

I'm so sorry for your loss. I have only the fondest memories of Marlin.

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