Born August 1, 1928

Died February 19, 2016

Retired District Court Judge Age 87/Res. W. St. Paul Preceded in death by twin brother John F. Markert, and sisters Eleanor, Lois and Ann. Survived by loving wife of 60 years, Florence (Reed); children Allan (Bev), Michael (Deborah), Julie Ann (Steve), Paul (Kathy), Tim and Lynn; 16 grand-children; Allan Reed, Nicole, Ashley, Natalie, Gregory, Leslie, Sabrina, Jay, Chris, Melissa, Tony, Andrew, Mathew, Joe, Luke, Erin;  14 great-grandchildren; sister Mary (Doug) Platt; brothers David (Judy), Phillip; and in-laws Myrtle (Clayton) Pyche and John (Arlene) Reed and many nieces and nephews and friends.
Dad was born August 1, 1928 at Midway hospital in St Paul, with his twin brother John. The family resided at 1928 Palace until their move to 2121 Iglehart in 1929. He attended St Mark's grade school. During this time Dad's father, Grandpa, had a bad car accident and could not work. The twins helped support the family at that time delivering 200+ newspapers daily. In 1942 the family relocated to Seattle Washington for 18 months, returning to 2089 Iglehart November 1, 1944.
Dad graduated from St Thomas Academy in 1946. He then went to college at the U of M and played football as a Golden Gopher from 1948-1950 under Bernie Bierman. He played with the best including Leo Nomellini, Bud Grant, Clayton Tonnemaker, and Vern Gonya. Dad was drafted by the Chicago Bears and attended training camp, but Uncle Sam got him 1st.
Serving as a 1st Lieutenant in the army he was stationed in Goosebay Labrador with his brother John, loading and unloading large ships. Many a tale has been told including a plunge into the icy water, dislodging ships with bulldozers, and stealthful acquisition of whiskey. All tales that will be treasured.
Upon discharge from the service Dad completed studies at the U of M earning 3 degrees, including a Physics degree. In 1953 he met the love of his life, Florence Reed, on a blind date arranged by Bob Doer. It was a match made in heaven and the two were wed on May 28, 1955. Dad started law school at William Mitchell in 1956 and graduated in 1959 just after their 3rd child, Julie, was born.
Dad & Mom moved to 2080 Roblyn Ave to raise their family. Many happy times and memories were created on Roblyn. The neighborhood had scores of growing families and lifelong friendships were formed that continue to this day.
In the 1920's, Grandpa and Grama Markert chanced to discover Gull Lake, after a previous reservation didn't pan out. It was a hit, and the family began to vacation there regularly in 1929, and a tradition was created. Gull Lake was Dad's favorite place on earth. I often times would listen to Dad say I've been to a lot of different and beautiful places, but none better than this. It was his happy place.
Gull Lake became ours. We all learned to ski, fish, swim, inner tube, catch turtles, and just plain have fun there. Al, John, & Dave rented adjacent cabins for years, and eventually bought cabins of their own. All of Dad's siblings also rented or lived on Gull. The Legacy of Gull Lake is one of Mom and  Dad's great gifts to us.
Upon graduation from William Mitchell Dad worked in his father's firm with John for a short time. He then took a job with the County Attorney's office. He also worked as a public defender and helped establish Legal Aid. On January 25, 1968 he was appointed a Judge by Herold Levander, and served until his retirement from the bench in 1996. After retirement he served as a part time judge around the state. Dad served as the president of the American Judges Association. He was also an active Rotary member, and served as the Chairman of the Boards at Merriam Park Community Center.
Dad's interests included cars, car mechanics, and fixing most anything. He enjoyed working on cars, talking about cars, and driving cars (fast). Inevitably he would always mention his favorite car his 1949 Cadillac. He was a man of great determination and could wire, plumb or fix most anything...skills that we have been taught. He was an ardent tinkerer and loved projects. While Grandpa Reed was with us, the two commiserated on many a project.
He loved the stars and astronomy, and all of nature. We have fond memories gazing at the stars with him up at Gull Lake, to which he would say "It all just came from nowhere?", a reference to the Creator and his faith. Dad loved cats and had many in his life, the most fabled was Higgens. Higgens used to follow Dad and John on their paper route, and was known to terrorize the local dog population. Shows about nature and animals were favorites.
A mountain of a man with incredible physical strength, and obvious intelligence, he was a force to be reckoned with. Yet those of us who know him best, his wife, his family, and his friends will tell you that the biggest thing about  Dad is his heart. A gentile giant with humble disposition and a helping hand always held out to others. He taught us the importance of God and family, and we learned integrity and perseverance by his example.
Even in his later years after surgeries and tough physical problems, Dad never complained. He always smiled and laughed, and never failed to tell Mom how marrying here was the best thing he ever did in his life. He relished family gatherings with family all around.
Dad is the greatest man we have ever known. Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, and Patriarch. We will all miss you Dad, but we know you have gone to be in God's presence and we will see you again someday.

Funeral Service Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at 3PM at Riverview Baptist Church, 14 E. Moreland Ave., WSP with visitation from 1-3pm at church. Interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery Wednesday at 1PM. Memorials to Riverview Baptist Church. 651-222-3220 - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/twincities/obituary.aspx?pid=177780901#sthash.PvlkMXsY.dpuf