Obituary of Kenneth M Markwardt

Kenneth M Markwardt

Born 1928

Passed away peacefully 10/22/2022

Predeceased by wife of 69.5 years, Bernice, son Gary, and parents Rudy and Kathryn Markwardt

Survived by children Ronald (Devonne), Mary (Thomas) Campbell, Thomas (Nancy), Jean (Brad) Krasean, daughter-in-law Lissa.

Grandchildren Jeff, Jon (Ayfer), Kenny (Jenn), and Bryan Markwardt, Eric (Miriam), Christopher (Amber), and Nathan Campbell,

Great Grandchildren Ella, Berit, James, Garrison, and Isabella,

sisters-in-law Lucille McGee and Shirley Kimmel, many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Graduate St. Francis de Sales 1941, Cretin HS 1945, St. Thomas College 1950.

Served with the US Army 1946-1947

Retired Sr VP Finance Ecolab (33 years), 1972 Ecolab Man of the Year.

Traveled 32 countries. 1 of 2.5 million people that flew on the Concorde.

Past trustee/director St. Joseph’s Hospital, Carondelet Healthcare, and HealthEast. Instrumental in keeping St. Joseph’s Hospital open.

Served as director on First Trust Board, St. Paul Athletic Club, and Minnesota Club. Served on United Way, Archdiocese St. Paul and Mpls budget committees.

Member St. Francis Casinos since 1948, Holy Spirit Catholic Church Men’s club, Knights of Columbus, and American Legion.

Board of Director/Trustee CAA, 2014 CAA Hall of Fame, Treasurer and Director of St Pat’s Guild.

Ken was the original “Social Media” before the internet, Mr. St Paul! Everywhere he traveled people knew him.

Ken has been a member of Holy Spirit Church since 1965 and looked forward to all parish activities.

In retirement Ken and Bea traveled by car out west, Arizona and California, for 30+ years.

Ken loved to spend time with Bea especially on the boat and pontoon at their lake home in Hayward, Wi. He patiently taught 100’s of kids to water-ski.

Ken learned to fish with his father on Mille Lacs. He continued his love of fishing with many family/friends in Canada, Northern Minnesota, and Devil’s Lake ND.

Ken learned to play accordion at the age of 5 and continued to entertain his family all his life.

He was helpful to friends and family with finances and taxes.

Ken was devoted to his Catholic faith and family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Mass of Christian burial 11:00am, Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 515 S. Albert St, St. Paul. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation at church one hour prior to mass. Masks Preferred.

Special thank you to Suite Living in IGH and Brighton Hospice for Ken’s short lived final home on earth.

Memorials to Holy Spirit Catholic Church or Cretin-Derham Hall.