Marcus Loper

Charlevoix, MI

Marcus Edwin Loper, age 72, formerly from the Upper Peninsula, passed away Saturday, June 15, 2024 at his home in Charlevoix, surrounded by his family.

Marcus was born on December 30, 1951, in Milwaukee, WI, son of the late James E. Loper and Mary Alice (Leach) Loper. He was raised in Gladstone, attended Catholic school, and attended Gladstone High School. At the age of 17, with his mother’s signature and approval, he joined the US Army. Marcus proudly served his country with the US Army, serving 3 tours in the Vietnam War, where he earned the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation, and various other ribbons and medals. He didn’t speak much of his time in Vietnam, but he often joked about being in places he could “neither confirm nor deny”. After the Army he relocated to California for several years before returning home to the U.P. He then continued to serve his country in the Michigan Army National Guard until his retirement. Marcus spent nearly the last 24 years of his life in the Charlevoix, MI area.

In his younger years, Marcus enjoyed working on and racing the muscle cars of the 60’s. He also loved camping, hiking, fishing, and spending time with his family. He was always a hard worker, always willing to lend a hand, and there wasn’t much he couldn’t do.

Marcus is survived by his children, Patricia Jean “PJ” Lucas of Texas, James (Michelle) Loper of Rapid River, MI, Marcus Loper (Margie Delgado) of Petoskey, MI, Evelyn Nicole Brown of Charlevoix, Allison (Jeremia) Baker, of Pellston, MI. Grandchildren; Ian and Isla Loper, of Rapid River, Emma Baker, of Pellston. Sister, Joanne (Robert) Taylor of Escanaba, brother, Calvin (Ann) of Arizona, brother, Ken (Rhonda Chouinard) of Escanaba. Aunt, Joyce Noel of Gladstone, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Marcus was preceded in death by his parents, mother and father in-law, and his beloved wife “Frenchy” “Francine” Francie Loper.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 22 from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Military Honors will be presented at 12:15 PM by the Gladstone American Legion Post 71 at the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone.