Marlon John Winter

LAKE GOGEBIC, Mich. - Marlon John Winter brought love to the Winter family like no other. Bittersweet is an apt description of today as we say goodbye to such an amazing, sweet, and joyful human being.

Beloved child of God, you were a son, a brother, an uncle, a cousin, and a friend to all who knew you. It's so hard to say goodbye to you ... you who were so pure, so innocent and yet it is such a joy to know that you are now hand-in-hand with Mama and Daddy. Now you are giving Jesus your smile that always melted our hearts. We miss you so, so much, Marley, and we look forward to seeing you whole and happy in Heaven.

Expected not to live at birth on May 10, 1960, Marlon John was sent home from the hospital to his loving family. Keeping this secret, Mama was determined to defeat all odds by sustaining life to his precious body. Marlon was too weak to nurse so Mama hand-expressed her milk and fed him with an eye dropper until he was able to suck from a doll bottle, even going to the extent of hand-massaging Marlon's throat muscles so he was able to swallow.

Marlon was a blessing and the family loved him from the very beginning. Never being treated differently from any other family member, Marlon was taken to every activity so the whole community grew to know and love him. Walking into any sporting event, the cheerleaders would run to embrace our sweet, gentle guy as he smiled with pride as all the cute girls hugged him.

Marlon had a love of animals from an early age. This love was mutual. Many times, Marlon would wander far away from the farm only to be found surrounded by the faithful dogs who would never leave his side. Even deer sensed that Marlon was full of love and would walk right up to him, remarkably eating out of his hand!

Marlon attended elementary school in Kennan, Wis., with his brothers and sisters and later attended several schools in Phillips, Wis., for special training. Later, when the family moved to Michigan, Marlon attended the Father Daniel Hall in Wakefield and the Barbacovi Center, where he continued his education.

Marlon loved school because he loved people. After "graduating," Marlon worked at Highline Corporation in Hurley, Wis., where he did piecework and fell in love with his supervisor. We never stopped teasing him regarding this infatuation.

The family's Wisconsin cabin was very special to Marlon. He loved riding his tricycle that was given to him by his brother, Randy, and also his four-wheeler that Marlon bought with his own money. Wherever the extended family was, Marlon wanted to be involved. Marlon's unconditional love will always be sealed in the hearts of his nieces and nephews.

Being a faithful and loyal Packers' fan, Marlon was thrilled when he was able to attend a game with his brothers several years ago. He couldn't hardly wait his turn to do the wave when it started around the stadium. He did it perfectly. To cheer the team on with, "Go, Pack, Go!!" brought great joy to Marlon.

Marlon took after his Grandpa Markley in being extremely meticulous. Anyone opening one of his drawers would be in awe of his organizational skills. Who would ever think that a T-shirt could be rolled so tightly without wrinkles? All of us are still envious of his ability to locate anything in his room at any time. Such an entertainer, Marlon hammed it up playing the harmonica for friends and family. "Pesi" (Pepsi) was the beverage of choice at all times! Marlon also loved Reese's Peanut Butter cups, Tic Tacs, dog food (as a child!), cheese puffs and the Fonz.

Marlon was predeceased by his parents, Roy and Marilyn Winter; his brothers, Randy and Alan; and nephew, Shaun Winter. He is survived by his siblings: Francis (Marcia) Winter, Sharon (the late Randy) Winter, Heidi (the late Alan) Winter, Janice (David) Nordberg, Colleen (Dave) Rademacher, Shelly (Mark) Mettler, and John (Stacy) Winter; 26 nieces and nephews; 37 great-nieces and great-nephews; his Indiana "brothers," Bob, Mike, Joe, Lenny and Dennis Retzlaff, and a multitude of friends. The family expresses their gratitude to Dr. Steven Fiorucci for his special touch in caring for Marlon over the countless years. Also, the entire staff at Howard Young Medical Center is to be praised for their constant loving and compassionate care on every occasion that Marlon needed to be hospitalized.

The Winter family will meet with family and friends to celebrate a life well-lived at Cornerstone Church, N10344 Mill St., Ramsay, Mich., on Saturday, Dec. 2, starting at 10 a.m. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m., with Pastor Todd Winkler and Pastor Roy Speck officiating.

The family is requesting in honor of Marlon's love of the Packers for everyone to wear Packer or Pepsi apparel to the celebration. Luncheon will be served at the church hall after completion of the ceremony.

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