John Markert

Age 87, of St. Paul Was led to heaven by the angels on Dec. 22, 2015. He now celebrates in heaven with beloved wife Carol (Zachman) Markert, her parents Albert and Genevieve (Franks) Zachman; his parents Aloysius and Frances (Speth) Markert; sisters Eleanor Hoye, Ann Kelly, Lois Stegner; brothers-in-law Bernie Hoye, Le Stegner, Jim Peyton, Jim and Albert Zachman; grandson Ezekiel Markert; Lulu and the Laddie dogs, and many family cats. Greatly mourning him here on earth are his 8 children: Susan, John, Karen, Jeff, James, Jane, Jennifer, and Joanne; daughters-in-law Mary and Debbie; sons-in-laws Barry and Mark; his brothers: twin Allan Robert, David, and PJ, sister Mary Platt; his 6 in-laws: Ed, Flo, Judy, Suzie, Eleanor, and Jeff; 17 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren, and too many nieces and nephews to count! A St. Mark's School, St. Thomas Academy, University of MN, and William Mitchell College of Law graduate, football player, Aquatennial swimmer, life-long runner and harmonica player, "Big Papa" was a superior storyteller, home movie maker for everyone and every wedding, water skier, tinkerer, mechanic, and handball player. "Herman," or "Doc," or "Twinner," or "Joe's Bar" owner, John was a passionate family man, friend, brother, uncle, husband, father, and son. John had many jobs and careers, for example: he served in the US Army Transportation Corps as a Stevedore Officer during the Korean War; he was a partner in the Markert Law Firm (with his father and twin), an assistant director of the MN Bar Admissions for State Board of Law Examiners, a Ramsey County public defender, a Selective Service Ramsey County Draft Board officer, and he was a lobbyist and the Executive Director for the Minnesota Catholic Conference, writing and helping to pass legislation that supported Catholic education. Through his career and as a family man, John modeled integrity, lived his Catholic faith, and showered his family and those around him with love, humor, fortitude, leadership, and loyalty. Dad's unwavering belief in those he loved made all of us better people. His patience and listening ear distinguished him among men. Making memories on Gull Lake: fishing expeditions with all the kids, Big Bluey wave crashing, relentless water skiing lessons, inner tube chains, hunting for turtles for the Nisswa Turtle Races, bonfires, ghost stories, hours of diving dock swimming, Regattas, sailing rescues, and crossword puzzles were his favorite activities. His presence, positive attitude, and love of learning inspire everyone who knew him. Famous quotes from Dad: "Great Scott!", "Great jumpin' horny toads!", "looks good enough to eat", "sufferin' snakes", "like breakin' into Fort Knox." We Love You Forever Dad, Thank You for Your Unrelenting Love and Your Very Best!!! Mass of Christian Burial 11AM Monday, December 28, at the Church of St. Agnes, 548 Lafond Ave., St. Paul. Visitation 3-7PM Sunday at Willwerscheid Funeral Home, 1167 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-228-1006. Burial with Military Honors at Resurrection Cemetery.