Louis Frederick Marquardt, 90, passed away to be with the Lord , Jan. 26, 2012, from natural causes at the Masonic Home in Helena. He was born June 16, 1921, in Ryegate, MT, to Louis and Marguerite Marquardt. He was the oldest of 3 children and was always tasked with “taking care of your little brother and sister.” He graduated from Ryegate high school. He had his education at Eastern Montana College (MSU-Billings) interrupted by enlistment into the Army Air Corps in 1942. Discharged in 1945, he completed a 2-yr. teaching certificate with the help of the GI Bill and taught junior high for a year. He met Marian Clark at EMC and they married in 1943. In 1945, daughter Susan was born. They divorced in 1948 and Lou met and married Lavada (Toni) Fitch Huber a year later. Lavada’s daughter, Merle, from her first marriage became Lou’s daughter immediately. Daughter Lindy was born in 1950 and the family moved to Helena in 1955. In 1991, Lindy was killed in a traffic accident and that tragic event sadly impacted Lou and Toni all the rest of their lives. They were married more than 60 years until Toni’s death in January of 2011.
Lou worked for “Ma Bell” for over 30 years. He started out collecting coins from pay stations and worked his way up in the company. As Rate and Tariff Manager, he made the phone company’s case before the PSC for several years and continued to attend hearings for the company after retirement in 1981. He worked hard and expected the same from his staff. He made many good friends at the phone company and appreciated being able to make a good living and support his family in that job.
Upon retirement, he began to enjoy golfing, hunting and fishing more. He often traveled to Great Falls to watch the grandchildren play in football, baseball, softball, and basketball games. He loved to play golf with Dave and Craig, Ashley and Nate, even letting the Helena ones drive his cart. He was active in Green Meadow Country Club for many years as well as the Kiwanis Club, Masonic, and Red Cross organizations.
He and granddaughter, Betty, traveled to most Grizzly home games when grandsons, Craig and Dave, were playing. He loved those Griz games and never failed to give the refs a hard time. He was especially proud when his granddaughter, Amy gave birth to his first great grandchild in 2000 and gave him “Louis” for is middle name. Grandpa Lou was always available to his children and grandchildren and his encouragement and support meant so much to them. Each fall, he, son-in-law, Bob and friends trekked to eastern Montana to shoot those pheasants. Just as enjoyable for Lou was visiting with extended family there over numerous good meals and cups of coffee. He was a sociable guy who loved reminiscing and telling stories.
Failing health limited Lou’s activities the last few years. He appreciated and enjoyed the help grandson Gary provided as they took care of the house and yard together. He never lost the gift of gab and relished a friendly argument. He was a good dad and grandpa who often sacrificed his own comfort to help out family when they needed it. Lou made friends at the Masonic and appreciated the professional care and lighthearted banter which filled his last years. A heartfelt thank you from the family to the Masonic staff.
At his request, no funeral services are planned. A private graveside service will be held at a later date. Anyone wishing to honor Lou with a memorial is encouraged to consider Hospice of St. Peter’s, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601 or the Masonic Home of Helena, 2010 Masonic Home Rd, Helena, MT 59602.
Lou is survived by daughter Merle Eickmeyer of Tacoma, WA; daughter Sue Dickenson (Bob) of Great Falls; grandchildren Betty Eickmeyer and Shawn Eickmeyer of Tacoma; Gary Eickmeyer of Helena; Craig Dickenson of Whitefish and Regina of Saskatchewan; Dave (Tammy) Dickenson of Calgary, Alberta; Amy (Steve) Umbarger of Pendleton, OR; Ashley (J.C.) Downing of East Helena, and Nate (Mary) Archibald of Great Falls. He is also survived by 10 great grandchildren and 6 nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Toni; his brother Richard; his sister Marguerite “Babe”, and his daughter, Lindy.
May he rest in peace.
To offer a condolence or share a memory of Lou, please visit: www.retzfuneralhome.com.
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Mary Beddes says
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Mary Brydich says
I had the opportunity to know Lou when I was a member of the Helena Kiwanis. I often saw him at meetings and worked with him on many committees and Kiwanis projects. He was an asset to the club and a joy to work with. Although I left Helena 10 years ago, I remember many wonderful times. Mary Brydich, District Secretary/Treasurer – Montana District of Kiwanis.
Brian Peacock says
Dear Sue, Bob and family. I worked quite a few years for Lou in Montana and had a great deal of respect for him.He was not always easy to work for but very fair and supportive to his staff and was the best boss I ever had with the “company”. He and Toni are together again. We are sorry for your loss.
Sicerely, Brian and Jean[Ruffatto] Peacock
Dina Anderson says
To Louis’ Family:
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. Please find comfort in the following Bible verse, John 11: 11 where Jesus said: ..”Lazarus our friend has gone to rest, but I am journeying there to awaken him from sleep.” Please also find comfort in knowing that our Almighty Heavenly Father holds out the hope of the resurrection and the ability to see our loved ones again.