Marlin L. Walters

Marlin (Mar) LaMont Walters, age 70, of Woodville, WI entered his heavenly home the morning of February 27th.

Marlin was the youngest son of Hazel and Freeman Walters and was born in Viroqua, WI in 1954. The family spent some years in Union Grove, before moving to a farm near Leon, WI in 1966. Freeman put him to work on the farm. Mar loved the cows and working the land, and in many respects was still a farmer at heart.

While attending Sparta High School he developed a love for science; especially chemistry. After graduating in 1973, he attended UW – La Crosse and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 1978. Unfortunately life intervened and he was unable to pursue that career. He went on to obtain his teaching degree and taught computer science at St. Croix Falls High School plus adult community education computer classes, until his disability rendered him unable to work. He was a lifelong learner and continued to challenge his mind most recently with a return to computer programming.

Marlin met the love of his life, Debby, through his best friend’s wife. They were married in 1982 and were blessed with two children, MacKenzie Lyle and Marie Hazel. Mar was always there to encourage and love his family which expanded to include Darrin (Marie) Berends and Bethany (MacKenzie) Young-Walters. Further blessings came with the arrival of granddaughters Antigone and Zorya Young-Walters and grandpup Chester Berends.

Marlin was a man who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life: a good hotdog and chips, kite flying, roses and succulents, World of Warcraft, and a fish on the line. He liked warm weather and trips to Florida; especially visits to Kennedy Space Center. His quick wit and quirky sense of humor gave family and friends reasons to laugh and also helped him and those around him face his numerous health challenges. He was a man who endured much and complained little.

His faith was extremely important to him. He attended First Reformed Church where he made knowledgeable contributions to the Sunday School class. He reached out to others through Crossroads Prison Ministries and how he dealt with adversity was a witness to many.

Besides the family listed above, Mar is survived by his brother, Franklin, sister and brother-in-law Kathryn and Gregory Schmitz, brother-in-law Keith Clipperton and much appreciated nieces, nephews and their offspring.

Preceded in death by his parents, Freeman and Hazel Walters, infant brother Larry, sister Kristy (Keith) Clipperton, brother-in-law David Heuer, and sister-in-law Lydia (Franklin) Walters.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, March 22nd at First Reformed Church in Baldwin. Visit with the family prior to the service from 9:00 to 11:00. Service at 11:00 with lunch to follow. If you are unable to join us in the morning, come for lunch and visit in the afternoon until 3. Memorials preferred to Crossroads Prison Ministry and Compassion International.

Thanks to Park View Home for their care over the last year.

Arrangements entrusted to O’Connell Funeral Home.