Marcelle ‘Marcy’ Elizabeth (Wixtrom) Malandrone Houlmont

She is survived by her daughters; Gail (Roger) Kneeland of Valparaiso, IN; Patti (Robert) Hughes of Grand Marais, MI; Step-son William (Nancy) Houlmont of Appleton, WI; Daughter-In-Law Julia Malandrone of Marquette, MI; Grandchildren, Scott (Arlene) Malandrone of Folsom, CA; Brian Malandrone of Hollister, CA; Ryan (Kaylyn) Malandrone of Green Bay, WI; Kimberly (Jon) LeGalley of Marquette, MI; Michael Kneeland of Valparaiso, IN; Jeffrey (Lisa) Kneeland of Camarillo, CA; Shaun (Sari) Hughes of Grand Marais, MI; Erin (Joel) Moore of Munising, MI; Ryan (Katia) Hughes of Brimley; Step-Granddaughter – Katy (Adam Christian) Houlmont of Hanover Park, IL. Great Grandchildren, Lauren and Erik Malandrone of Folsom, CA; Kiersten Swanson and Leo LeGalley of Marquette, MI; Liam and Leander Malandrone of Green Bay, WI; Alita and Triella Kneeland of Camarillo, CA; Joy, James and Jonathan Moore of Munising, MI. ; Step-Great Grandchild Nora Christian of Hanover Park, IL. Sisters, Donna Erickson of Republic, MI; Nancy (Fred) Spanton of Foley, AL; Sisters In-Law Helen Wixtrom, Luana Wixtrom, Hannah Wixtrom and Arleen Wixtrom. Brothers-In-Law, Lou and Emery Malandrone. Many nieces, nephews, cousins and very special friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Seth (1972) and Mae(1993); husband William J. Malandrone (1979); Howard Houlmont (2003); son, William B. Malandrone (2012); sister-June Laakso (2002); brothers, James Wixtrom (2005); Bruce Wixtrom (2011), John (Jack) Wixtrom (2002); William Wixtrom (2013); great grandson Jack Thomas LeGalley (2016)

She was born, at home, in Witch Lake, MI on October 28, 1926, to the late Seth and Mae (Doan) Wixtrom. Marcy graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Republic High School, Class of 1944. She received her degree as a Medical-Secretary, graduating Magna Cum Laude, from Cleary College, Class of 1946.

Growing up in a large family, with a farm, sawmill, and a store providing the family’s livelihood, Marcy grew up knowing how to work hard. There was no church in Witch Lake when she was growing up so they met in area homes. Sofia Wixtrom, her wonderful, Godly grandmother had a profound impact on Marcy as a child. With her grandmother encouraging her to memorize Bible verses and to learn precious hymns, Marcy had a strong foundation on which to draw when pain and sorrow came her way. She was 18 years old when she asked Jesus to be her Saviour and Lord. Even with her memory failing, she still remembered her favorite Bible verse; Acts 16:31 “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.”

At age 14, while working in the family store, she met William J. Malandrone, the love of her life, who became her husband on April 12, 1947. While living in Witch Lake, they farmed, sold chain saws, had cows and chickens, sold strawberries and cut pulpwood for their livelihood. In the early 1960’s they began a construction company in Marquette, MI. After Bill’s death in 1979, Marcy continued to operate the business until selling it in 1982 when she was hired as the Controller for the Marquette County Historical Society, later becoming Director until her retirement in 1988. On July 20, 1984, Marcy married Howard Houlmont. Together they spent time at family camps, NMU Hockey games and were blessed to take many vacations and cruises to Alaska, Hawaii, Central America and the Caribbean.

Marcy was a homemaker, Secretary-Treasurer of Lake States Construction, Member of Bethel Baptist Church for 53 years, sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, served on several church committees, as church secretary, clerk, treasurer, and financial secretary, and helped with the translation of church records from Swedish to English.

She was member of the Marquette County Republican Party and the National Republican Party.

She belonged to the Retired Senior Volunteer Program and has worked at the local hospital gift shop, Alzheimer’s Association, Red Cross, and rocking and comforting the babies in the neonatal hospital unit.

Marcy enjoyed spending time at her camp on Chief Lake, quilting, sewing, cooking her famous “Grandma Chicken” and Sunday roast beef dinners, knitting, music, eating sweets, and watching Fox News. But most of all, she enjoyed being surrounded by her family anytime and anywhere.

Friends may call at the Bethel Baptist Church on Thursday, March 23, 2017 from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm. Funeral services will be held in the church on Thursday at 2:00 pm with Pastor Dr. Brian Oberg and Pastor Hank Steede officiating. A dessert reception will follow in the church hall. Burial will be made in the Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that contributions be made to Lake Superior Hospice, the Salvation Army, Bethel Baptist Church music program or K-LOVE Christian Radio in Marcy’s name. The family would like to thank everyone who helped Marcy during her illness. Your kindness will never be forgotten. The Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home is serving the family where condolences may be expressed online at www.swansonlundquistfuneralhome.com.