Marco Antonio López

next journey while surrounded by his loved ones.

Marco entered this world on September 11, 1951, in the nearby Amazon rainforest of

Iquitos, Perú. He was the eldest son of Maria Olortegui and Oscar López.

In 1971, Marco arrived in The Windy City of Chicago where he learned to acclimate to

the bitter cold winters and immerse himself in a new culture while learning a new

language. Throughout his life, Papí would carry a small notepad in his shirt pocket to

write down new words to look up in the dictionary and practice.

Shortly after immigrating, he met our beloved mother, Maria, when she happened to

attend his charismatic Rena Ware cookware presentation in search of a potential

mother’s day gift for her mom.  In the end, according to the family story, Papí paid for

two sets of cookware; one for Mamí and one for abuelita Gena. The cookware is still

used to make arroz and Mami’s flan.

In 1981, Marco and Maria along with their young daughters Regina and Rebecca,

arrived in Zeeland, Michigan. They expanded their family with the addition of Marolyn

and Aniela.

Papí will live on in memory by his four daughters; five grandchildren, Alexander Michael,

Marco Moon August, Eleanora June, Elliott Dean, and Evelyn Maria; his sons through

loving partnerships Jay, Chad, and Taylor; his siblings Angela (Jim) Rozeboom, Gladys

(Luis) López, Oscar (Anita) López , Carlos Armando (Chong Hui) Olortegui, Wanda

Gray, and Darwin (Marguerite) Olortegui; and several nieces and nephews.

Much gratitude and appreciation for the amazing memory care team of David’s House

located within the Resthaven Care Center. The compassion, grace, tenderness, love

and support each of you had shown Papí during his stay, his daughters and his family

will forever be remembered. You are all angels on earth.

A private visitation and ancestral death ceremony was held immediately after his

passing. Those who wish to make a memorial contribution to the family to help with the

end of life cost or consider making a donation in his honor to Resthaven.

https://resthaven.org/help-us-serve/