MIDDLETON - Karl W. Marquardt, age 84, of Middleton, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison. He was born on Sept. 5, 1937, in Wausau, Wis., the son of Reno and Nora (Tesch) Marquardt.

Karl was a man of strong faith, knowledge, and integrity. Karl graduated from Wausau East High School. He received a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy and a Juris Doctorate in law, both from the University of Wisconsin- Madison. While in law school, he met the love of his life, Vel, and they were married Aug. 7, 1965. His career included being commissioned as a naval officer in the Naval Medical Service Corps after graduating from the Officers Candidate School, Chief of Pharmacy Services at the U.S Naval Hospital in Charleston, S.C. He was a Patent Attorney for Dow Chemical, an Executive Director of the Pharmacy Examining Board, and an Attorney for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture - Trade and Consumer Protection. Karl proudly served his community in many honorable roles as president of the Waunakee School Board for 12 years and District Expulsion Hearing Officer for the Waunakee Community School District. He dedicated his time to the Meriter Hospital board as well as the Oakwood Village University Woods Board. He was a lifelong member of Bethel Lutheran Church and had an active role on the church council, Stephen Ministry, and most recently was involved with the Men’s Current Christian Concerns group.

In addition to his professional career, Karl and Vel brought up a family of four children. He loved downhill skiing, curling, reading, attending sporting events, and traveling throughout the country and overseas. He was always present, steady, and strong for his 12 grandchildren. Karl and Vel developed wonderful friendships and beautiful memories within their Bethel Hiking Group. Karl instilled great passion for life and learning with every life he touched.

Karl is survived by his wife of 56 years, Velma; sons, Jeff (Dana Day) Marquardt, Thomas (Jill) Marquardt,and David (Rebecca) Marquardt; daughter, Lora (Matthew) Nerland; granddaughters, Julia, Maria, Sophia, and Isabella; grandsons, Isaac, Henrik, Lars, Bergen, Theo, Wesley, Henry, and Lukas; brothers, Merritt (Betty) Marquardt, Judsen (Connie Niva) Marquardt, and William (Beverly) Marquardt; and sister-in-law, Beverly Boos. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law, Sherill Meyer; and brother-in-law, Rolland Unke.

A service will be held at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 18, 2022. Family and friends who wish to view services via LIVE STREAM may visit Karl’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com at 11 a.m. on Friday. A private burial service for immediate family only will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery in Wausau. Out of respect for all, during this time of continued health concerns, there will be no visitation prior to, or after, the 11 a.m. service.

Memorials may be made in Karl’s name to Bethel Lutheran Church, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, WI, 53703. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761

Karl William Marquardt

September 05, 1937 - March 08, 2022

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