Dr. John Lloyd Marlow - January 19, 1935 – July 6, 2025
Tribute from his niece, Marilyn Petersen
Since John was born ten years before I was, I've known him all of my life. I would only see him at family gatherings before he left for BYU then on to George Washington for his medical degree and internship at Johns Hopkins. Every summer he would always return to Idaho — his heart never left the farm.
In high school he was a boxer and an opera singer — real oxymorons — and excelled in both. He was president of his graduating class and awarded many scholarships for his outstanding GPA. He graduated with a degree in chemistry from BYU which pushed him toward a future degree in medicine.
Grandpa and Grandma Marlow weren't well off financially, but she was paid $100 a month as a first and second grade teacher at Wapello Elementary which she sent to John every month. He also supplemented his income by singing at various receptions and functions around Washington, D.C.
I was especially touched when he called me from back east the night before Jerry and I got married to say he was so sorry he couldn't attend the wedding, but wished us happiness and good fortune (so far we've made it 61+ years).
John and Cathy, along with Johnny and Jeffery, would stay with us every summer when they would return to Idaho. Our two kids loved them dearly. Johnny would sleep in David's trundle bed while Jeffery slept in Sara's. They loved the trampoline and playhouse as well as just hanging out in the irrigation water.
The summer of 1985, we flew back to Washington for two action-packed weeks with the Marlows. Cathy arranged for us to see our US Representative Richard Stallings in his office and in a session of the House in the Capitol building. We also went to the U.S. Department of Printing and Engraving, the National Zoo, and spent three days in Williamsburg, Virginia where we were treated to see and talk to people from 200 years in the past. Two days were spent in an amusement park riding unbelievable rides and laughing until we hurt.
Marlows enjoyed Mom and Dad's 40 acres above Mackay. John would fish while Cathy would explore. One summer Doc hired a one-man-band to play all kinds of dance music after 30 of us enjoyed a whole pig roasted on the barbecue. Cathy ran games like the three-legged gunny sack race with a partner and breaking a piñata.
Since those days, Marlows have stayed nearly every summer with us. We've loved having them — even after the boys got married and could bring their kids. They enjoy time with Jay on the farm and a family reunion at the Marlow Pasture in Wapello. So nice to see those Marlow roots are still deep and need watering on occasion. Uncle John cherished his history and we are so much the better for his love of family.
Additional memories from family:
Tribute from his sister, Joan Belliston
Tribute from his niece, Marilyn Petersen
We warmly invite you to share your memories, stories, and messages about Dr. Marlow. Please send your reflections to jmarlowmd@gmail.com.
Inquiries about his upcoming celebration of life can also be directed to jmarlowmd@gmail.com.
We will be collecting and sharing stories from friends, colleagues, patients, and family. Please visit johnmarlowmd.com/stories.html to read and reflect on these tributes.
