Marilyn Ann Winter

LAKE GOGEBIC, Mich. – On early Friday morning Sept. 1, 2017, the Lord swept Marilyn Ann Winter to Heaven. We are deeply grateful to God that "Mama" was home, surrounded by family both in the days and hours leading to her passing and at the very time she took her last breath. This remarkable Christian woman welcomed the angels of God to her side with marvelous peace. A woman has never been more loved by her family than Marilyn, largely because she taught us well and loved us well. The great affection she fostered among us kept us all close, living together and laughing. None of us have to wonder how she felt about us. We were told often how much she loved us.

Marilyn was born on March 27, 1936, in Kennan, Wis., a daughter of Jack and Alberta (Jones) Markley. She participated in the 4H Club as a child and had a passion for reading.

Marilyn married the love of her life, Roy Winter, in 1954, and lived in Kennan where they farmed and began to raise their family of eight children. Continuing their love for children, Marilyn and Roy became 4H leaders for more than 25 years. Their doors were always open to everyone as many city relatives chose to spend their summers on the farm, and often the family would have to serve meals in shifts.

In 1978, they moved the family north to Lake Gogebic, where Marilyn became an integral part of the Root Cellar crew. Her love of cooking drove her to excellence, and all clamored to be trained by her. Enjoying her many flower beds and vegetable gardens, Marilyn would preserve endlessly to share with all.

Recognizing that their love would not run out, Marilyn and Roy became foster parents for years. Their natural family grew to 26 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren. The number of their adoptive family is remarkably unknown. Mama was most content when babies were being rocked and coddled, and toddlers were scampering about.

With such a strong faith in Christ and the love of family, Marilyn went all out in celebrating every holiday. She read the Bible in its entirety many times over and because of her faith, she was our family's rock and prayer warrior. She was a great example of the fruits of the Spirit and taught us all what it was to follow Christ. Marilyn would sit alone, late at night, poring over her Bible or rocking into the wee hours of the night praying for her husband, a child, or grandchild. She prayed for anyone and she prayed for nations. Marilyn's faith spurred her on to do many good things; being generous was simply one.

Proverbs 31:28-29 "Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also praises her: many women have done wonderful things, but you surpass them all."

Marilyn was predeceased by her parents; a brother, Joseph Markley; her beloved husband, Roy; two sons, Randy and Alan; and a grandson, Shaun Winter.

She is survived by two sisters, Carol (Richard) Salzman and Cindy McCormick; a brother, Eddie Markley Knop; children, Fran (Marcia) Winter, Sharon (the late Randy) Winter, Heidi (the late Alan) Winter, Marlon Winter, Janice (David) Nordberg, Colleen (Dave) Rademacher, Rachele (Mark) Mettler and John (Stacy) Winter; 26 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

The Winter family will meet with family and friends to celebrate a life well lived at Cornerstone Church, N10344 Mill St., in Ramsay on Saturday, Sept. 9, starting at 2 p.m. A memorial service will follow at 3 p.m., with the Revs. Todd Winkler and Roy Speck officiating.

Luncheon will be served at the church hall after completion of the ceremony.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.