April 24, 2018 – West Bend, WI – Alfred E. Markworth (Al),76, joyfully accepted his final call to the eternal service of his heavenly Father on Saturday, April 20, 2018, at home in West Bend with his loving family by his side. He was born in Sheboygan, WI, on July 26,1941 to his parents Gerhardt F. and Mabel M. (Rautmann) Markworth. He was very proud to be the eldest of their 10 children.
Alfred married his cherished wife of 54 years, Linda Waack in her home church of St. John’s Lutheran, Norris, SD on August 3, 1963. He had a heart for evangelism and was always ready to share his hope in the redeeming death and resurrection of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was a faithful husband and father; a family man. He followed in his father’s footsteps and became a teacher in Missouri Synod Lutheran and private Christian schools. He served in Chattanooga and Knoxville, Tennessee; Arvada, Colorado; Racine, West Bend, Milwaukee, and Watertown, Wisconsin; teaching at every grade level from kindergarten to twelfth grade. He received his Master’s Degree from Concordia University Wisconsin.
Alfred was a gifted man. He was an administrator; coach; mentor; writer of stories, plays, and scripture songs. He had almost finished an historical novel about the immigration of his German ancestors to Perry County, Missouri, where the Missouri Synod had its start. He was a prolific artist. Products of his artistic talent enhance the décor of many homes, schools, and offices across the country. He was a collector of books and many interesting curiosities. But most of all he was a teacher. He loved to hear little children pray and sing. For his own kids he always took advantage of a good moment for them to learn something new about this wonderful world. Even toward the end of his life he would have active dreams that he was teaching a class or coaching.
Those left behind to savor fond memories of a unique man include his “first and last” wife, Linda, or “Sweetie” as he called her; their seven children, Adam (Beth) Markworth, MaryAnn Harrison (Jeff Hebert), Amy Markworth (Mark Seibel), Wendy (Edward) Morrow, Christian Markworth, Andrew Markworth (Melody Ewing), and Philip (Christa) Markworth. Their 17 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren will miss playing with and learning from Grandpa. He leaves behind 3 brothers, Bruce (Marilyn), Daniel (Patsy), and John (Belinda) Markworth and 3 sisters, Donna (George) Donel, Elizabeth (Kenny) Keaton, and Joan (Stathi) Gianou. Also surviving are two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Piper, and Mildred Mechaley; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. Alfred was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Louise Darrah; and two brothers, Jeffrey, and Paul Markworth.
The funeral service in remembrance of Alfred will be held on Monday, April 30 at 11am at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 809 S. 6th Avenue, West Bend, WI, with Rev. David Kellerman officiating. Alfred’s family will greet relatives and friends from 10am until the start of the funeral service. A luncheon will be provided by the Ladies Guild after the service in the church basement.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Immanuel Lutheran School (Higginsville, MO), Racine Lutheran High School (Racine, WI), or The Lutheran Hour Ministries.
Al’s family would like to thank everyone for prayers offered, especially during his final days, and also for the wonderful care provided for him by Drs. Cornelius, Timm, and Ahmed; the nurses and staff of St. Joseph’s Hospital, Jackson, WI and Community Memorial Hospital, Menomonee Falls, WI, and Horizon Homecare and Hospice.