Marion Betty Markhardt

LODI/DEFOREST-Marion B. (Knutson) Markhardt, age 95, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017, at Artisan Assisted Living in DeForest. She was born on Nov. 13, 1921, to Seward M. and Bonnie (Lausche) Knutson, in Madison, Wis. Marion grew up a city girl, graduating from East High School in 1939. In October of 1941, Marion married Earl O. Markhardt. In 1943, they bought a farm near Lodi and lived there for the next 69 years. Marion was an excellent cook and baker, making many harvest meals for the men that worked in hay and tobacco. She also enjoyed quilting, sewing, canning, gardening and raising numerous farm animals and poultry. Marion had many jobs from high school on. She worked at the dime store on the square in Madison, the phone company, Lodi Canning Co. and she retired from Lodi School district in 1992, working in food services, while also working on the farm and being a mom. She was a very hard working woman and taught her family many talents. During her 55 years of marriage, seven children were born. Marion is survived by her children, Jean (Richard) Fisher of Prairie du Sac, Robert of Lodi, Richard (Cynthia) of Sandwich, Ill., Shirley (Mike) Pertzborn of DeForest, Joyce (Lyle) Hopwood of Dane, Karen Meier of DeForest and James (Angela) of Belleville; 19 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl; her only sister, Doris J. Herschleb; and numerous sisters and brothers-in-law. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON LODI FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 157 S. Main St., Lodi, at noon, on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017. Burial will be at County Line Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. The family would like to thank all the employees of Artisan Assisted Living and Heartland Hospice that have worked with our mom for the last five years. You are all a godsend. We appreciate your caring ways and will never forget your kindness to our mother. Memorials may be made to Heartland Hospice. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Lodi Funeral & Cremation Care 157 S. Main Street (608)592-3201