Marvin and MIllie were great neighbors. I miss them.

It was indeed my pleasure to know Marvin for what must have been 30 years or more as he honored me (and Debbie) with the opportunity to provide his health care.  He was always gracious and appreciative of anything we could do for him and Debbie & I always knew our busy day would be a little brighter when we saw his name on our schedule.
As I read through all the very kind words, I realize there was certainly a side of Marvin I didn't know about....sure wish I could have been part of the Mr. Flood visits.
Again my sincere condolences.

Here are a couple of the memories I can recall concerning Uncle Marvin. I shared these with those who were able to attend Uncle Marvin's funeral.

One day, Dad & Uncle Marvin were out in Grass Lake in his small fishing boat. Uncle Marvin told Dad to drop anchor in a spot that looked good to have a couple beers, and fish, so Dad hefted the anchor over the side and controlled the anchor's fall with his grip on the rope. Well, Dad ran out of rope before he could adjust his grip. Dad looked back at Uncle Marvin with a funny look on his face and asked Uncle Marvin, "ya got another anchor?"
Another story, also with some beer involved, happened one night when Mom & Dad & Debbie & I were camping with Aunt Millie & Uncle Marvin. Dad & Marvin stayed up around the campfire after the rest of us went to bed, and retired to their sleeping bags sometime later. Well, we all were awakened to what we thought was a bear attack, but it was Uncle Marvin who, crawling out of the tent to use the outhouse, had forgotten where the campfire had been built. Crawling through a bed of hot coals on your hands and knees causes one to use expressions you don't hear every day. Expressions, but NEVER a curse word.

Some well-known expressions of his I CAN spell are:

"No progrums, podna!", and "you got THAT right!", and Millie's "Right on! Go BLUE!"
He & Aunt Millie were always the gracious hosts of any get-together the family wanted to have, grilling hamburgers, roasting corn, cutting a water melon, and putting out enough tables & chairs for all of us, and more for anyone else who happened by.
Uncle Marvin loved his walks with Aunt Millie. A nearby favorite was to amble down Barton Drive to the boardwalk along the Huron River that they would follow all the way down to the Argo Dam and back. One of his steps = 2 of Aunt Millie's, so she always looked like she was in a hurry to get somewhere.
They also loved to attend the local events and locations, like Top of the Park, had season tickets to U of M home football games, were regulars at The Cavern Bar, The Washtenaw Dairy, Manchester Chicken Broil, and the like. 
If any couple was created for each other, it was Aunt Millie & Uncle Marvin. 
Photo is of myself with Aunt Millie & Uncle Marvin May 0f 2014.

Kirsten and Millie, you are both in my thoughts. I enjoyed caring for both Marvin and Millie at SP. The love they shared was heartwarming. They could always make me smile. RIP Marvin.

Uncle Marvin always greeted you with open arms and generosity.  He was a great storyteller and always had a story for the occasion.  His marriage with Millie was a great example for what devoted love looks like. 

Spencer & Miriam

I delivered The Ann Arbor News To the Oakes from 1967-1971 and still remember Marvin for being so kind and friendly every time I would see him. A truly amazing man. I'm saddened to learn of his passing. He will be missed my many. My prayers go out to Millie.

Our Uncle Marvin was welcoming, kind-hearted, loving, committed, encouraging, gentle, and always greeted you with a great big smile.  Family visits to see him and Aunt Millie were full of card games and plenty of snacks- especially the Cheese Puffs! We admired his commitment and love for Aunt Millie, and enjoyed seeing them walk hand in hand everywhere. Thank you, Uncle Marvin, for bringing such joy to the hearts of those around you. You will be missed! Jake & Rachel

We will miss our dear Uncle Marvin, he was such a gentle and kind man. We enjoyed spending time with him and Aunt Millie, playing euchre, watching Michigan football, eating lots of yummy snacks like chips and dip and cheese puffs, and getting pop from the selection in the garage fridge. We love you Aunt Millie and Uncle Marvin.
Josh & Amber

Dear Millie -
  We are so sorry for your loss.  All of our loss.  We loved Marvin and you and still do.  It has been a real pleasure to know you for all these decades.  It has been wonderful to be able to run into the both of you at all the music venues we both appreciated so much.
  Marvin was a unique, warm and gentle soul.  May he rest in peace.  We are sure he is.  All our best.

So sorry for your loss. My father was in the Korean War and later worked at the U with Mr. Oakes. I remember seeing the two of you out walking, usually holding hands, I  would always wave. I pray that God comforts you and gives you peace.

My family lived down the street from them for a few years. I always walked by their house when I used the city bus. I had a paper route during highschool, but i do not get them as customers until a few years later. I remember, Mr Oakes always take out Mrs Oakes on Friday afternoon. She would get her dress up. They always looked happy, expectedly on those days. Mr Oakes will be miss. I remember like it was yesterday, that I was just at their house delivering the cookies they bought from me.

It was a privlege to know such a wonderful person as Marvin.  He made you feel special every time you saw him.  The world could use more men like Marvin.  Rest in peace.

Oh Millie, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Marvin was such a gentleman and always upbeat. It was our pleasure knowing him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

From Mark Konkle and the "older" staff of UM Respiratory Care.

When my family and I moved to the neighborhood I wasn't even 1 years old yet. the 11 years that we spent there, I remember always seeing Millie and Marvin on their porch next to each other. And, they passed out the best candy on Halloween. I will miss you terribly. You were a wonderful part of my childhood that I could never forget. <3

So sorry to hear of Marvin's passing.  He was my neighbor when I was younger.  He always took the time to talk with me and listen to my aimlessly wandering stories.  He was my buddy...he will be missed.

So sorry to hear of your loss. We lived up in Orchard Place and would often walk by your house in the evenings. It was always nice to say hello.

I'm so sorry for your loss. May the words of our dear heavenly Father bring you comfort and hope. (Psalm 9:9, 10)

To Millie, Im so sorry to hear about Marvins passing,  You are both a great couple, when ever I was walking home from work, You would always stop and talk to me, I loved to stop and chat. He will surely be missed.

We loved Marv! He was a kind and gentle man who always wore a smile -- a real sweet spirit at all the gigs. We remember meeting Marv and Millie at Flood's. What a treat to see them dance! Unforgettable. Our hearts go out to beautiful Millie and to all the family and friends. Sending lots of love, Brophy Dale and Candy Mead

Millie -
We are so sorry to hear Marvin passed away. Our thoughts are with you today and into the future.
David and Elva Quinn

 knew Marvin from the time that I worked at the hospital. I remember watching Marvin and Millie take their Briarwood walks, always looked forward to seeing them there.  Good man.

Dearest Millie, I am so sorry to hear that you lost the love of your life. The two of you were an inspiration to me and so many people.  You and Marvin have left an imprint in the memory of many of you and Marvin walking hand in hand through Briarwood Mall.  You both have meant the world to me and I will be there for you I promise!
Your Lanc

So so sorry to hear this! Just loved this beautiful loving man and his wife! They brought smiles to our faces every time they would come into Kroger#605 store with their genuine hugs and kisses. My heart is broken but I know that he is with the Lord and at peace. Prayers to Millie and family. Love, Mary Ringer. ❤

Marvin will be missed by all that knew him. My prayers to the family

I met Marv and his wife Millie, who by the way were inseparable, in the early 1980's when Jim Tate and I started playing happy hour at Mr Floods Party. From that point on I saw them every Friday at happy hour for over 20 years until Millie's health didn't allow them to come out to the gigs anymore. Marv and Millie were the most loving caring, and real people I have had the honor to spend time with. When they could no longer attend the band's shows we would still try and visit them, and there wasn't a Halloween that went by that I didn't have to drop by with the kids so they could see them and spoil them. Marv and Millie (we never said on name without the other) were not able to have their own children, but they treated all of us like family, all the time. This world and Ann Arbor was a better place because of them, I'm going to miss Marv, he never talked his politics or religion, he just wanted to ask how your life and your family was doing. You know, like real people used to do.

Dear Millie,

I was so sorry to hear that you have lost your "love".  He was such a gentle man and I will forever miss seeing the two of you holding hands and walking the streets of Ann Arbor.  You have a lifetime of memories.  Hold them close to you.

Much love,
Karen Piehutkoski

Dear Millie,
We are so very sorry to hear of the loss of your dearest friend and love. The two of you made living on Starwick some of our most memorable times. It was an honor to know Marvin and we have missed him and you these past three years. We send you loads of love and prayers.
Jim, Jodi, Eloise and Liana Bordeau

Dear Sweet Aunt Millie,
We are all so sorry to hear of Uncle Marvin's passing. You both were so close and so happy together that I enjoyed every minute being around you both when you would come down to visit us in Midland. How you both were always there for our family. Now beloved Uncle is home with his brothers suffering no more. Our prayers go with you as you had been always there for us. Love you Aunt Millie. 
Love, Tammy, Rudy, Patrick, Emilie and Destiny Morris

Millie, we are so sorry for your loss. You and Marvin are such an important part of this neighborhood.  We loved seeing you two lovebirds walking hand in hand and sitting on your porch in the evening.  Our loving thoughts are with you, Karen and Jon Van Eck

Aunt Millie I am so sorry for the loss of Uncle Marvin, we always thought the world of him and we still do you. He is probably up there telling all his brothers and sisters some stories. He will be forever in our hearts. We love you. Kathy and Tom

What a dear friend Marvin was and my dear Millie, I am so sorry for your loss. We go back a long way when we all worked at the U of M Hospital.  So many memories were made and  I will cherish the lasting friendship we shared these past 50 years.  May Marvin rest in peace in his life eternal.

My heart goes out to Millie and the family. I've had a few fun talks with Marvin and Millie over the years, usually on Friday evenings listening to music. He will be missed.

I am really going to miss this gentle soul and very sweet man. He and his wife were my neighbors the entire 23 years I lived on Starwick Drive and I'll miss him greatly, especially his hello's and waves as I would walk by......

Will miss you Marvin, a great friend and neighbor.  Our love to you Millie.

Bill Shea and Phillis Engelbert and Ryan

Such a sweet man, it was always a pleasure to see and chat with Marvin and Millie at the clubs, and later at Dexter Daze. Always a kind word, and so heart warming to see their devotion to each other, and their dancing.  My best to dear Millie and the family.

Marvin was a kind and gentle man.  I remember him from working at the U with him.  I would see him yearly at the Art Fair with his wife after he retired.  I would see him often at Briarwood mall walking with his wife.  His smile was infectious.

Marv and Millie were regulars, almost mascots for many, many, years for the great local band Drivin' Sideways, led by Pontiac Pete Ferguson.  Over the years scores of  people became friends with this delightful couple.  Marvin was a very polite gentleman who was a devoted husband to Millie, also a charming individual.  Marv had interesting stories about his life including landing in Korea just as the armistice was enacted.  He will surely be missed!

Working along side Marvin at the Uoif M Hospital was always a pleasure.  Marvin had a big smile and a kind word for everyone he met.  My condolences to Marvin's family and friends.

   Loved his southern manner. Just a wonderful, generous man. Visiting them one felt like an honored guest. They would ply me with food, drink, and kindness. When I was poor they aways shared their pitcher of beer with me at Mr. Flood's.
   Millie, you had a good  husband and he was a better man because  he was married to you. He will be missed, not forgotten, and be remembered fondly.
Judy Pasich

Marvin was a dear friend to my father and mother he will greatly missed I have many fond memories Millie and Marvin love you both aka Nici love Monica Witter Roy Adkins and Evelyn youngest daughter

I meet Marvin & Millie during the good old days at Mr. Flood's Party. We became good friends since then. Besides visiting with them we would meet up at the St. Patrick & Webster Church Festivals and have a real good downhome time listening to the music, eating and of course drinking beer. It was always a joy to watch Marvin & Millie dance. You couldn't find a better man than Marvin and he could spin a great yarn.

Marvin was a customer of mine.  Just a wonderful man, super polite and a pleasure to serve.  He along with Millie define the term "good folks".

My dad (Pete Stephenson) worked with Marvin until he retired. Then I worked with him at U of M from 1977-1988. Such a loving & caring kind of guy. My condolences to his many family & friends.

I knew Marvin through my father who worked with him at the UM hospital.  He was always kind and remembered me when we ran into each other even after my father's passing.

OBITUARY

Marvin Joseph Oakes

July 27, 1930 – September 17, 2016

Muehlig Funeral Chapel

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