Ishpeming – John E. "Johnny" Marcotte, age 62 of 736 Cooper Lake Rd. in Ishpeming Twp. was called home by the Lord at 12:37am Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at his home, while in the loving care of his family and Lake Superior Hospice.


Johnny was born the youngest of 17 siblings on April 6, 1947 in Ishpeming to the late Harry and Agnes (Gauthier) Marcotte. He attended the St. John's Catholic School thru the eighth grade and was a graduate of the Ishpeming High School, Class of 1967. He worked for the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co. for 30 years, retiring as a heavy equipment operator at the Empire Mine in 1997.


He married Cherie Zimmerman of Norway, MI at St. Pius X Catholic Church on Sept. 24, 1968 and together they raised four daughters. Johnny stayed involved with his daughter's activities as they grew up, which including coaching local girls softball teams. His pride and joy were attending any event that included his grandchildren. He was their biggest fan. Johnny was grandpa, dad, uncle and friend to all he touched with his spirit generosity and faith. Never did a person pass through their door that did not leave better than when they entered. Johnny was a devout Catholic and a member of the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. He enjoyed time spent woodworking in his shop, playing cards, and singing along to his favorite songs. He recently recorded his own CD with the help of Da Yoopers Studio and friends Jim Belmore and Jim DeCaire.


Survivors include his wife Cherie Marcotte of Ishpeming, four daughters – Allison (Robert) Filizetti of Ishpeming, Noelle (Kevin) Champion of Marquette, Nicholle Marcotte (Frank Zeits) of Champion and Wendy (Arthur) Quinn, Jr., of Rochester, NY, 7 grandchildren – Anthony, Tristen & Tabin Filizetti, Emily Champion, Katie Prisk (Dan Nelson) Cody & Adam Prisk, a special niece Jennifer (Jeff) Gillingham that he took in, helped raise & loved like his own, 7 sisters – Armine (Morris) Libbey of Marquette, Jane Santora, Ruth (Allen) LeRoy, Marion (Marshall) Randall, Mae Williams, Barbara Hilliker all of Ishpeming, and Margaret (David) Johnson of Negaunee, 7 brothers – Louis (Gladys) Marcotte, Charles (Patricia) Marcotte and Roger (Audrey) Marcotte all of Ishpeming, Allen (Bonnie) Marcotte of Grants Pass, OR, Robert (Katherine) Marcotte of Bradenton, FL, Bernard (Dean) Marcotte of Knoxville, TN and Donald (Shirley) Marcotte of Grand Junction, CO, along with enumerable much loved nieces and nephews.


The family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00am until 1:00pm on Saturday January 23, 2010 at the St. John's Catholic Church in Ishpeming. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 1:00pm on Saturday at St. John's Catholic Church with the Rev. Fr. Greg Heikkala to officiate.