FITCHBURG - Mary Geraldine “Gerry” Markwardt, age 90, of Fitchburg, passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at Legacy of DeForest. She was born on June 3, 1935, in Chicago, Ill., the daughter of Frank and Evelyn (Twohey) Murray.

Graduating from Portage High School, she then went on to earn her associates degree from Madison Business College. She lived and worked on the family farm in Fitchburg. Throughout the years, Gerry and John raised and sold many beautiful landscaping trees.

Gerry loved to garden, and she enjoyed selling “Gerry’s Berries” and other home grown produce at the Hilldale Farmer’s Market. She was an avid crafter, spending time sewing, crocheting, knitting and making quilts.

She was very proud of her Irish heritage and enjoyed several trips to Ireland.

Family was very important to Gerry, attending the birth of all her grandchildren. She was actively involved in her kids’ and grandchildren’s sporting and school events.

Gerry was previously married to Edwin Nyberg before he passed away in 1973. She met John Markwardt through a widowers group called KAYRA, and the two married on June 19, 1976, in DeForest, Wis. They had a core group of friends through KAYRA whom they cherished throughout their lives.

Gerry is survived by her children, John Markwardt, William (Kim) Markwardt, Scott Nyberg, Stephen Markwardt, David Markwardt, Kathryn (Richard) Cale, Donald (Denise) Nyberg, Thomas (Theresa) Markwardt and William (Amy) Nyberg; 14 grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Markwardt; son, Steven Nyberg; grandson, Garrett Nyberg and parents, Evelyn and Frank Murray.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 3:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026, and also at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.

Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608) 442-5002

Mary "Gerry" G Markwardt

June 03, 1935 - January 01, 2026

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