With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we announce the passing of Marlin L. Marks, who passed away on September 24th, 2026, at the age of 84. Marlin left this world having touched numerous lives with kindness, laughter, and a deep love for his family and community.
Born on December 5th, 1941, in Oshkosh, WI to Clarence and Lucile (Larson) Marks, the family moved to Wautoma when Marlin was very young. Though Marlin was an only child, countless hours were spent with his Marks and Larson cousins, romping around and playing on his grandparents’ farmsteads in the Spring Lake and Redgranite areas. Raised with strong values of hard work and a deep-rooted love for the land, farming was in Marlin’s blood. These principles shaped the man he became, guided every chapter of his life, and formed the foundation of the enduring legacy he leaves behind.
Marlin attended Wautoma High School and University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point and went on to build a meaningful career as a Vegetable Grower. No matter his accomplishments, Marlin remained most proud of being a farmer. With a smile, he would often describe himself as a “Pickle Farmer,” a title that reflected both his livelihood and his respect for the profession.
He was married on October 13th, 1962, to the love of his life Kathy (Packard) Marks and had 2 beautiful children. They spent 40 years together before Kathy’s passing in 2003.
His dedication to farming extended beyond his own fields. Marlin was an active member of the National Pickle Growers Association, the Vegetable Growers Association, and the Farm Bureau, where he shared in the advancement and stewardship of agriculture. He was also VP of Marks Brother’s Pickle Co.
Marlin loved Wautoma, and with his wife, was passionately involved in many civic activities. He was actively involved with the Wautoma Jaycees, serving as President and contributing to various other leadership roles throughout his years of membership. Other Jaycee honors included Chairman of the Jaycee State Family Life Program, State JCI Senator #23368 by the local Wautoma chapter and recipient of outstanding Jaycees awards at both local and national levels.
Marlin served on the Wautoma Area School Board for 20 years and was integral in the building of Parkside Middle School. He received the Tom Lango award given by the Wautoma Chamber of Commerce for his dedication and service to helping others and his community. In addition, he
served on the annual Winterfest Committee and was past president of the Wautoma Improvement Association. He was also a member of Midstate Snow Drifters club and bowled for many years on the Marks Brothers and Eagan teams.
Marlin had a deep love of hunting and fishing, which was passed down to him by his father and uncles. Deer hunting took precedence over almost everything else and numerous hours were spent preparing deer stands, putting up game cameras and purchasing just the right necessities for hunting. He taught this love of hunting to his son, Jamie and grandchildren Kaylie and Braedyn.
Marlin is lovingly survived by children and grandchildren: Marleen, Jeff and Machaela Meyer, (Hudson, WI), Jamie, Karalee and Braedyn Marks (Wautoma, WI) and Kaylie and Dakota Wilcox (Warren, NJ) and many Marks and Larson extended family members and dear lifelong friends of Wautoma. He is preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Lucile Marks, loving wife Kathy Marks, grandchildren Joshua and Madeline Meyer, and dear cousins Bill Wandry, Russell, Bob and Arlon Marks.
Marlin rarely missed a chance to support his favorite teams. In remembrance of his lifelong love of sports, guests are encouraged to wear Packers, Badgers, Brewers, Hornets, or other sports attire to honor his memory and celebrate the passions that brought him so much happiness.
In lieu of flowers and in keeping with Marlin’s legacy of farming, the family would be blessed by plants or trees that can be part of lasting memories of their father.
“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” Genesis 2:15.
“The Lord will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. The Lord your God will bless you in the land. Deuteronomy 28:8
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 12 noon at Grace United Methodist Church in Wautoma with Rev. Stephanie Taylor officiating. Burial will follow at Wautoma Union Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Saturday at Grace United Methodist Church from 9:00 until 11:45 a.m. Family and friends are invited to gather in the celebration of his life that was deeply cherished and will never be forgotten. Leikness Funeral Home, Wautoma is assisting the family with arrangements. www.leiknessfuneralhome.com.
