Jack Markel, 82, of Marco Island, Florida passed away peacefully at home on December 20, surrounded by his wife and family. Jack was born to the late Walter and Bernadine Markel, in Orange County, CA. He was preceded in death by his sister Constance Cooper.
He leaves his loving wife of 59 years, Barbara Welter Markel, five children and their spouses: Cindy(Kevin) Feldt of McKinney, TX, Matt (Michelle) Markel of The Woodlands, TX, Todd (Olena) Markel of Boca Raton, FL, Scott (Emily) Markel of Fox Chapel, PA, Anne (Darrel) Markel of Marlton, NJ and 16 grandchildren, Hailey, Nicole, Riley, Marin, Colin, Elise, Kyle, Avery, Porter, Ivan, Jameson, Cheyane, Stefania, Owen, Logan and Tatum as well as his 3 step-grandchildren Ethan, Emily and Jacob. He is also survived by his sister Emma Jean Healey of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA and hisUncle, Dr. James Ashen of Sacramento, CA as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and long time cherished friends.
He attended Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, Ca. where he was student body President & Co – Captain of the Inaugural Football Team. He graduated from Long Beach State University where he was a member of Sigma Pi Fraternity and served as National President of the Newman Clubs. He later earned his MBA from Webster University in St Louis, MO. During High School & College he worked for his father at the WJ Markel Construction Company in Santa Ana, CA. He joined the US Army in 1959 and served in the Atomic Weapons Division at Sandia Base in Albuquerque, NM. and was honorably discharged. He then made his career working for American Water Works Company for 39 years as manager in Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He retired as the Director of Training and Development in 2000 and moved permanently to Marco Island.
Jack married the love of his life, Barbara Welter Markel, in Tiffin, Ohio on August 28, 1959. Together they traveled the country and raised their 5 children. Their love and devotion to each other and their family has been an inspiration to all who have know them.
Very active in his communities, he was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, Jaycee President, a member of the the VFW, & Elks. He also was a longtime member of Rotary International, a member of the Marco Island Power Squadron, the Marco Island Mens' Club, Marco Island Sports Fishing Club. & the Mater Dei Letterman's Club. Jack and Barbara were also docents for the Friends of the Elephant Seals in Cambria, CA. for nine years.
Jack will be remembered as a man who put family above all other pursuits, his beautiful stained glass creations, his “PopPop” tacos with salsa and his colorful “hotties” (pancakes). Jack was the life of every party and never missed an opportunity to wear his now famous dancing shoes.
The Markel family would like to thank and recognize the incredible and caring staff of Avow Hospice of Naples, and especially his caregiver, Loretta Rose who became a true and devoted friend during Jack's illness.
A Mass celebrating Jack's life will be held in January 19th, 2019 at 10:30 AM at San Marco Catholic Church on Marco Island. A reception will follow in the Church Hall. A gathering will be held the day before at Hodges- Josberger Funeral Home from 4 – 7 PM. Burial will take place at a later date in Tiffin, Ohio, & a Celebration of Life Mass is being planned in Southern California.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association -Florida Gulf Coast Chapter or Avow Hospice of Naples, FL.
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