William "Bill" Marquedant Sr. passed away peacefully on Sunday, morning, August 18, 2024, at his home. He was 89 years old.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, August 23, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Clarissa. Visitation will take place Thursday August 22, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the church, and will continue the day of mass, one hour prior. A rosary will be prayed on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at 4:40 PM. and also the day of Mass at 10: 40 AM.

All of the above activities will take place at the church.

Burial will immediately follow the Mass service at the church cemetery.

William Dennis Marquedant entered this world on Saturday, June 15, 1935, at his parent’s Lyle and Clarabelle’s (Hauge) home in Leslie, Michigan. He was baptized into the protestant faith as a baby and was the eldest of two sons. He was raised in a loving, vibrant household where he thrived as a farm boy with a deep appreciation for life.

After graduating from Leslie High School in 1953, Bill pursued agricultural studies before working as an automobile painter in Detroit at Renauds and Fisher Auto Body. In the fall of 1955, he met a young lady, Doris Brennan, who swept him off his feet and eventually he asked her to be his wife. He converted to Catholicism before he married her on September 1, 1956. Bill was united in marriage to Doris (Brennan) at St. James Catholic Church in Mason, Michigan. They were blessed with seven children; William Jr., Daniel, Susan, Gary, Kathryn, Thomas, and Carolyn ElizaBeth.

In Bill’s early years he started crop and hog farming with his dad, Lyle and uncle, Oakley. These years were marked by a tragic boating accident in 1966, which claimed the lives of his father and his Uncle Oakley at their family’s lake cabin. The loss was compounded by the drowning in the same lake, of his young nephew, Ronnie Lynn. This changed the family forever and was never quite the same since those incidents. Despite these hardships, Bill’s family grew closer, and he continued to cherish life and his loved ones. Shortly thereafter, their “favorite” child (Thomas) was born October 25th.☺

Bill took over the farm while he and Doris were raising six of their seven children with their Catholic faith being central to their lives. They prioritized family camping trips and spent time on family outings, activities, riding horses, and competing in horse shows to once again live life to the fullest. Through these excursions they discovered they had a love for the state of Minnesota. In 1975, they decided to buy a dairy farm and move their family from Michigan to Long Prairie, MN. In the year of 1977, their family grew with the birth of their seventh child, Beth. They later moved to Clarissa in the fall of 1979, moving a few more times until they finally settled where Bill lived out his remaining years.

He had the gift of being a storyteller! Bill had a true love for life, and telling stories of the events throughout his life were something his family has savored throughout the years. Through Bill’s storytelling, he kept the memories of his ancestors vivid for his children and grandchildren, helping his family “know” the loved ones that came before.

Throughout his life he always had a project in the works. His love of gardening, hunting, and fishing were a few hobbies that gave him true joy. He was proud of all the fruits and vegetables he grew and loved the summer and fall harvests. He would provide Doris with the ‘fruit’ to can and freeze, then later in their lives they enjoyed putting up the harvests together.

He passed his knowledge and passion onto his family. In the fall, Bill’s enthusiasm for deer hunting with his sons would launch, which grew to be a family tradition for many of his grandchildren; both grandsons and granddaughters. He would get so excited when someone in the hunting party would bag the “big buck”. The early morning, big breakfasts with his family and deer hunting companions during these seasons were another highlight in Bill’s deer hunting experiences.

The loss of their son, Gary, on November 11, 2021, due to complications from covid, was a profound blow to the family. Gary had given Bill a beloved dog, ChiChi, who remained a faithful companion and source of joy for Bill.

It was easy to love Bill. He was a moral and patriotic man who had a great love for God and his country. He always wanted to set a good example for his children and others. He was always giving compliments to his children, bragging them up for even the littlest of accomplishments. His enthusiasm, zest for life and his ability to make others feel valued and appreciated were hallmarks of his character. His faith, family and friends were everything to him! Material things weren’t important to Bill - “memories made” were the priority for him, and he passed this down to all who were blessed to know him. Bill was a good and great man! He and Doris, together, built a lasting legacy through their love and sacrifices for their family.

Bill peacefully entered eternal life on Sunday, August 18th at 3:25 a.m. in his home with family by his side. He leaves behind his wife of almost 68 years, Doris and 6 children; Bill Jr., Dan, Sue (Ron) Meyer, Kathy (David) Wagner, Tom, and Beth (Ben) Johnson and 39 grandchildren; Regina Marquedant, Jonathan (Tammy) Marquedant, Christopher Marquedant, Ryan (Lori) Meyer, Missy Meyer, Crystal (Matt) McCoy, Joan (Gerard) Hansen, Kari (Wade) Dickinson, Joseph (Elizabeth) Meyer, Angela (Keith) Pudwill, Dominic (Samantha) Meyer, Sophia (Dalton) Pouliot, Alex (fiance Collette) Meyer, Abby (Abraham) Berg-Arnold, Allysha Marquedant, Michelle Marquedant, Emily Marquedant, Stephen Marquedant, Sarah (Justin) Vearrier, Patricia (Mike) Matt, Renae (Tony) Matt, Kyle Wagner, Laura (Luke) Miner, Anthony (Lizzy) Wagner, Lucy Wagner, Paul (Makaylyn) Wagner, Olivia Wagner, Isaiah Wagner, Clara Wagner, Jessica (Rick) Jordan, Katelyn (Kenny) Sakry, Bryant (fiance Danielle) Marquedant, Andrew (fiance Megan) Johnson, Veronica Johnson, Brendan Johnson, Cora Johnson, Hayley Johnson, Camille Johnson, and Blaise Johnson. Great-grandchildren; 78 with 1 more on the way. He is preceded in death by his parents; Lyle Marquedant and Clarabelle Marquedant, brother; Lyle, his Uncle Oakley, mother-in-law; Margaret Brennan, son; Gary Marquedant and many other beloved relatives.

Bill’s legacy of love, faith, and family will continue to inspire all who knew him.