Marvin H. Northway

Our loving father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Marvin Harold Northway, born May 15th, 1953 in Appleton, Wisconsin, peacefully left our plane of existence on Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025. A graduate of Milwaukee Washington High School’s Class of 1971, Marvin lived a life full of odd jobs, though his family likes to say he was in the business of connection. He was a very social person who made friends with anyone, truly a man of the people. This trait was exemplified by the jobs he was most known for - a limousine chauffeur, furniture salesman, and, later in life, a courtesy driver and fleet manager for a car dealership. In all these roles, he touched many people, from famous football players and world-famous bands, to everyday people who needed a ride home after getting their car serviced. If we could fill a room with all the people who called Marvin a friend, we’d need a football stadium. 

Marvin married Denise in 2006, and officially became a father to Mandi and Nate at that time. This realized an important goal in his life: being a father. In 2008, he became a grandfather to Salem, and in 2013, a grandfather again to Addison. In 2023, he became a father-in-law to Nate’s spouse, Abel. He was looking forward to becoming a grandfather twice more, as, at the time of his passing, Mandi was engaged to Allen, who has two kids of his own. Marvin was so very proud of his children and grandchildren, and loved all unconditionally. 

Marvin was the funniest guy you knew, and could get a smile out of almost anyone. His humor radiated to those around him. He had a prosthetic eye, which he used as a prop in much of his humor, often to the sorrow or joy of those around him, depending on their disposition. 

Marvin loved music, especially Pink Floyd, Sly and the Family Stone, Queen, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and Marvin Gaye. He loved supporting his community through volunteer work, most notably at the Sons of the American Legion Post 416. There, he received the Blue Jacket Award for recruiting members to the post. In that role, he grew membership by more than 100%. He was a member of the Honor Guard and also served as Finance Officer during his time there. 

Marvin was preceded in passing by his mother, Eileen Northway (VandenHuevel), Harold Northway, his best friend Joe Dowske, and his favorite dog, Sophie. He is survived by his brothers Michael (Vicky), Donald (Deb), Roger (Gail), Thomas (Tracy), his sister Linda (Dave) Bongers, 2 children, 1 child in-law, his 4 grandchildren, many many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews, as well as the “second-family” he had, the Dowskes. 

Marvin’s funeral will be held on Saturday, February 1st 2025 at St. Alphonsus Church (6060 W. Loomis Rd, Greendale, WI, 53129). Visitation will begin at 9:30am, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11am. Service will be followed by a procession to and commendation at Forest Home Cemetery (2405 W Forest Home Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53215). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sons of the American Legion Post 416. 

The family would like to thank the teams at Zilber Hospice and West Allis Memorial Hospital for their amazing and compassionate care in Marvin’s last days.