Kenneth Markl

KENNETH MARKL was born to Edward and Anna (Zingleman) Markl on September 24, 1919 in Pipestone County, Minnesota. He was raised on a farm and received his education at Rural School District 32. He worked on various farms in his early years, attended welding school in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and served our country while in the Army from 1942 to 1945. He started his service in Camp Colan in California, and from there went to Hawaii, Christmas Island and Saipan. On July 17, 1945, Kenneth was united in marriage to Marion Demuth at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Woodstock, Minnesota. Following their marriage, they lived and farmed in Rock Township near Woodstock for 38 years. It was there that their four children, Karen, Gary, Steve and Randy, were born and raised. In 1983, they moved to their home in Pipestone. Throughout their lifetime, he and Marion traveled across the United States, as well as Canada, visiting historical sites and enjoying the scenery. He always believed everyone should travel and see our beautiful country. When Marion became ill, he was a dedicated caregiver both at home and when she was confined to a nursing home. On May 4, 2012, he became a resident of the Good Samaritan Communities of Pipestone. He died there on Monday, May 27, 2013 at the age of 93 years, seven months and ten days.

Kenneth was a lifelong member of St. Martin Catholic Church in Woodstock and St. Leo Catholic Church in Pipestone; along with a lifetime membership in Herbert Holtke American Legion Post 285 and VFW. Throughout his life, he enjoyed music and dancing. Playing cards with friends was another favorite pastime. For many years, he volunteered wherever there was a need. His help was valued at the Senior Center, delivering meals for the Mealsite Program, taking communion to the homebound, making countless wooden projects for the Good Samaritan Communities of Pipestone, blood mobile helper and many others. He was always willing to give a helping hand and was appreciative of the help he received. He was one of those persons who turned his senior years into years of productivity and service to others; and always with a cheerful smile. He was honored with being selected as the Outstanding Senior Citizen of Pipestone County in 1994 for his dedication to helping others.

He is lovingly remembered by his children, Karen Eichinger of Pipestone, Minnesota, Gary Markl of Owatonna, Minnesota and Randy Markl and his wife Judy of Windom, Minnesota; grandchildren, Kristi Arndt, Ben Markl, Nick Markl and Kaitlin Markl; great-grandchildren, Jeff and Brittany Arndt; and sister-in-law, Helen Markl. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marion; son, Steve; son-in-law, Jerry Eichinger; grandchild, Scott Eichinger; two infant granddaughters; his parents; sisters, Florence Biever and Maxine Blanford; brother, Harold and infant brother, Leonard.