Eugene "Gene" Carl Markman

Eugene “Gene” Carl Markman, age 88, of Waite Park, formally of Saint Cloud, passed away on March 8, 2023. A Celebration of Life Mass will be held on Friday, March 17, 2023 at 11 AM at Saint Peter’s Parish in Saint Cloud. Father Chris Markman will be the celebrant. Visitation will be prior to Mass beginning at 9:30 AM. Knights of Columbus will lead prayers in the church at 9:30 AM.

Gene was born on December 16, 1934 in Worthington, Minnesota to Paul and Rose (Struchen) Markman. After graduating from Worthington High School in 1952 Gene enlisted in the United States Army serving as an Office Clerk in Japan. After serving in the Army, Gene attended Mankato Commercial College in Mankato, Minnesota. While in Mankato, Gene met his bride-to-be, Elizabeth “Liz” Kane at the Kato Ballroom. They were married on May 24, 1958 at All Saint’s Church in Madison Lake, Minnesota making their home in Rochester and Montevideo before moving to Saint Cloud in 1971.

After graduation from the Mankato Commercial College Gene was employed in various sales positions for numerous companies including, Fleischmann’s Foods, Singer Sewing Machines, and Knights of Columbus Life Insurance. Later in life he found employment driving school buses, charter buses, and airport shuttles. Gene was a member of Knights of Columbus #5548 for 53 years and a recipient of the Knights of Columbus Minnesota Knight of the Year award in 2014. He was also a member of the Waite Park American Legion Post 428 and Moose Lodge 1400.

Gene possessed a generous and caring spirit and was an active member of his community and church, being a member of Saint Peter’s Parish for 52 years. He lived out his faith in serving others and was always ready to offer a helping hand to anyone in need. He organized many fund raisers including the “Coats for Kids” campaign. Gene was a loving husband and father and a devoted grandfather. Gene especially enjoyed both fishing and sharing his fishing stories, woodcrafting, playing cards and dominoes, his nightly ice cream, and spending time with family and friends.

Gene will be dearly missed by all who knew him, especially his children: Jim Markman (Luiza) of Sarasota, Florida, Annmarie Kastan of Waite Park, Tom Markman (Kara) of Avon, Mike Markman (Kathy) of Sartell, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Gene was proceeded in death by his wife of 64 years, Elizabeth in 2022, his brother Clyde Markman, great-grandson Archer Markman, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

The family wishes to thank Saint Croix Hospice.
Memorials to Knights of Columbus #5548 Coats for Kids are preferred in lieu of flowers.