Ralph Markwardt

Ralph Markwardt, age 92, went to his eternal home on Sunday, December 13, at his home in Sheboygan. He was born April 5, 1923, in Sheboygan, to the late Ernst and Elsie (Opgenorth) Markwardt. He attended Sheridan Grade School and graduated from Central High School in 1941. He attended UW-Madison. In his younger days, Ralph was a gymnast and pilot. He served in the U.S. Army during WW II, landed at Normandy, and served in the European Theater hauling tanks to the front lines. On August 1, 1951, he married Harriet Jorgensen in Milwaukee, WI. She preceded him in death on April 9, 2007. Ralph and Harriet lived in Almond, Wisconsin, where they owned and operated a grocery store. Following their return to Sheboygan, Ralph worked primarily as a milkman for Lake to Lake Dairy. Ralph was known for his love of God, his sense of humor, and his friendly disposition. He enjoyed traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Ralph is survived by his son Philip (Sondra) Markwardt of Palmer, Alaska, daughter Sandie (David) Palmer of Sheboygan, six grandchildren, Cheryl (Philip) Licht, Palmer, Alaska, Darin Markwardt, Kenai, Alaska, Pamela (Stephen) McAttee, Palmer, Alaska, Jasmine Palmer, Sheboygan, Karissa (Brad) Kohring, Brisbane, Australia, and Sebastian Palmer, Cedar Grove, Wisconsin, four great grandsons and two great granddaughters. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by sister Helen Huibregtse and three brothers, Robert, George, and Ernst Markwardt Jr. Funeral Services for Ralph will be held on Friday December 18, 2015 at 12 Noon at Ballhorn Funeral Chapels. Ralphs son, Phil Markwardt, Chaplain at Palmer Correctional Center in Palmer, AK, will officiate. Friends may call on Friday from 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home until the time of the service. Burial will take place at Wildwood Cemetery where full military honors will be accorded. A memorial fund has been established in his name for Operation Exodus and Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue. Please visit www.ballhornchapels.com to sign the guestbook.

Visitation

2015-12-18
11:00
12:00

Ballhorn Chapels
1201 N 8th Street
Sheboygan
WI



Funeral Service

2015-12-18
12:00
12:45

Ballhorn Chapels
1201 N 8th Street
Sheboygan
WI