Marlin Neal Custer, age 97, passed away on May 14, 2026, in Gregory, Michigan. Marlin was born on January 23, 1929, in South Fork, Pennsylvania, to Blair and Bertha Custer.
At the age of 17, Marlin proudly enlisted in the United States Army in 1946 during the conclusion of World War II. He served his country as a Supply Technician and remained a proud veteran throughout his life.
On August 3, 1948, Marlin married Irva L. (Carey). Together, they raised their three daughters in the Taylor, Michigan area. Following his military service, Marlin began working in grocery store produce departments. He advanced throughout the industry and managed many grocery stores during his career.
Marlin cherished time spent with his family, especially summer trips to the cabin and Camp Dearborn trips. He was well known for his extravagant home aquariums and his love of aquatic life, maintaining both freshwater and saltwater tanks filled with a wide variety of fish and marine life.
Marlin is survived by his daughters, Marlene Brooks (Andrew Paulosky) of Van Buren Township and Sheryl (Clem) Ciluffo of Gregory; his grandchildren: Cindy, Wendy, Angela, Dianna, and Sherry; his great-grandchildren: Colin, Brinka, Rankin III, Bailey, Emma, Alexis, Makenna, Jerry, and Gabe; and his great-great-grandchildren: Scarlett, Savina, Madiella, Monte, Aurora, Francisco, and Eviana.
He is also survived by his siblings, Jack Custer of Romulus and Reenee Gagnon of Washington Township.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Irva L. Custer; and his siblings, Judith Custer, Billy Carr, and Ida Swartzentrover.
Burial will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
Memorial donations may be made to Arbor Hospice.
