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Marion Dufon
Marion Joseph Dufon, a gentle and kind-hearted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully in his family home on Saturday, October 24, 2026 surrounded by his loving family and his beloved wife of 62 years, Karen.
Born on Christmas Day in 1934 in his family home, Marion was the son of the late Martin and Dorothy (Wichtowski) Dufon. After graduating from Free Soil High School in 1953, Marion began working for Fallen Drop Forge in Manistee from 1953 to 1954 before moving to Flint, where he launched his career at General Motors at the Flint Metal Fabrication Division. Marion was drafted into the United States Army in 1957 and faithfully served his country for two years in Germany before returning to General Motors, where he worked faithfully until his retirement in 1988.
Following his retirement from GM, Marion returned to his roots on his family farm. A true craftsman and steward of the land, he farmed his homeland for 20 years before retiring a second time. He spent countless hours working on old farm tractors—especially his cherished 1928 Star and 1934 International—and powering his sawmill with his 1936 Buick motor. He was a proud member of the Western Michigan Old Engine Club and always looked forward to entering the annual tractor pull.
Above all, Marion’s family was his greatest pride and joy, and he made sure each of them knew how deeply they were loved. On May 16, 1964 he married the love of his life, Karen Farkas, and they have celebrated 62 wonderful years together. They built a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work. Marion loved spending time outdoors, particularly hunting with his son, son-in-law, and grandsons, as well as fishing and bowling.
Along with his beloved wife, Karen, Marion will be greatly missed by his children Suzanne (Collin) Thompson, Steven (Kim) Dufon, Kathryn (Kirk) Roessler, and Nicole (Dale) Slivinski; and his sisters, Charlotte (Leonard) Showalter and Audrianne (Jerry) Sullivan.
He was the proud “Bumpa” to Jacob (Kasey), Joshua (Cheree), Allison, and Anna Marie Thompson, Nathan, Sarah, Natalie, and Shauna Dufon, Elizabeth and Alexander Roessler, and Olivia and Chloe Slivinski; and his four great-grandchildren Reagan, Kennedy, Lincoln, and Noah. Marion will also be missed by numerous loving nieces, nephew, cousins, and many great friends made over a lifetime.
Marion was preceded in death by his parents Martin and Dorothy Dufon; his in-laws Joseph and Rose Farkas; his twin grandchildren Ryan and Rachel Dufon; and his sisters, Dolores (Wayne) Lundberg and Marcellin (Eugene) Marquardt.
Honoring his wishes, Marion has chosen to be cremated. Family and friends are invited to gather for a rosary service at 6 p.m. on Friday, November 6, 2026 at St. John Cantius Church in Free Soil. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Marion at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at St. John Cantius Church beginning with visitation at 10 a.m. until time of Mass. Burial will take place at Fountain Cemetery on land generously donated by Marion and Karen Dufon, allowing him to rest eternally on the family farm he so dearly loved.
Those who wish to make a donation in memory of Marion are asked to please consider the Western Michigan Old Engine Club in Scottville, or St. John Cantius Church in Free Soil.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Elara Hospice for the comforting care and support provided to Marion and Karen, as well as to Katie Schwass for her dedicated and compassionate care for Marion over the past few years.
Please visit Marion’s memory page at www.wymanfuneralservice.com to share a memory or tribute of Marion with his family.
