My name is Chuck Fortino. I am writing to announce the passing of my dear wife, Merrie Jo, who left us on July 24th of this year. We fell in love in high school in 1968. We were married in 1970. We have two children, Chuck and Julie. Chuck and his wife, Melanie, have two children, Miranda and Chas. Julie with her husband, Jay, also have two Marco and Gavin. Merrie Jo loved spending time with all of them. She did not get to spend as much time with Miranda and Chas as they lived in Arizona. 

We had many wonderful vacations together. We particularly enjoyed the western Upper Peninsula, Marquette, and the Keweenaw Peninsula; they were our favorite places. The ruggedness and beauty of those places is spectacular. When Merrie Jo got ill, Julie was beyond amazing. Visiting almost every day, bringing her food and, more importantly, comfort. She stayed many nights at our house and accompanied her on many of her trips to the Mayo Clinic. She kept track of the various medications she was taking, talking to physicians and pharmacists to make sure there were no dangerous conflicts. She navigated the portals of the various hospitals we were dealing with, so we were always aware of tests and appointments. She is my daughter; of course I loved her. However, when I saw how she was with my darling wife during a terrible illness, my love for her increased exponentially. Merrie Jo was my best friend. We loved her well. Some day when I cross over, I hope to spend eternity with her. 

Cremation has taken place. There will be no services.