Dennis F. Markowski, 80, of Manitowoc passed away March 11, 2022, at Tender Reflections Assisted Living. He was born June 23, 1941, to the late Leonard and Martha (Grall) Markowski. He attended school in Manitowoc and was a Lincoln High School graduate. After graduating, Dennis enlisted in the Army and remained through 1962 where he served in Germany during the Berlin crisis.
On August 25, 1962, he married his high school sweetheart, Donna Jirikowic at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. They were married nearly 60 years and shared a long life of many joint accomplishments.
After completing his years of service in the Army, Dennis worked for Frito Lay, Pepsico. He spent the majority of his career working for this company as a route manager and retired in 2001. Upon retirement he enjoyed the domestic life of cooking, cleaning, and working in the yard.
Dennis always liked to socialize and never lacked for a conversation. He loved hunting and fishing with his family, especially his trips with his brothers-in-law. He had a passion for golfing and regularly went on golf outings with friends and family. Of course, it goes without saying that he was a die-hard Packer, Badger, and Cubs fan. Sports were a big part of his life both as a spectator and participant. He rarely missed a game in which his children and grandchildren participated. He coached his son’s youth baseball team. He was an active member of the Manitowoc semi-pro football league serving in many positions until he became head trainer in 1972. For his dedication to this league he received the Member of the Year Award in 1975 and elected Head Manager. Dennis then became a WIAA basketball officiate for many years and officiated throughout several areas of WI. There were always great stories to be told by him upon return!
Dennis loved traveling and an annual trip with his family was a must. He enjoyed planning sight-seeing trips around the country which many times included family reunions. After retiring he spent time helping his brother-in-law, Joe, in Plant City, FL where he was involved in the annual Strawberry Festival. Other travels took him to Hawaii, Ireland, and Germany. In his latter retirement years, he became a snowbird and spent time relaxing on the Gulf Coast of Florida during the months of March and April.
Survivors include his wife Donna of 59 years – they would have celebrated their 60th anniversary in August; his sister: Barbara (Vern) Rusch, Pearson; son: Brett (Amy) Markowski, Manitowoc; daughters: Pamela (David) Woodson, Bradenton, FL, and Aimee (Andy) Markowski-Boerst, Mequon; six grandchildren: Kaitlin (Logan) Findeisen and great granddaughter Khloe, Leavenworth, KS, Dr. Michael Markowski (fiancé Victoria), Ashwaubenon, Frank Woodson, Bradenton, FL, Julia Woodson, Manhattan, NY, Cora (Tong) Markowski-Boerst Yang, Sheboygan, and Alexis Markowski-Boerst, Sheboygan. Dennis is further survived by his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Edward Jirikowic, Mandeville, LA, James and Bonnie Jirikowic, Carol and Al Chermak, and Barbara Jagemann – all of Manitowoc, Judy and Ralph Wobschall, Boynton Beach, FL, Marlene and Joe Merrin, Plant City, FL, Vicki Jirikowic and Jeff, Georgetown, CA, Jeff Jirikowic and Nikki, Appleton, and John Stamm, Green Bay. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Martha, Manitowoc, father-in-law and mother-in-law Edward and Viola Jirikowic, his brother and sister-in-law David and Sandy Markowski, Virginia Beach, VA, his brother-in-law Gary and sister-in-law Maryann Jirikowic, Manitowoc, sister-in-law Patricia Stamm, Green Bay, sister-in-law Kathy Jirikowic, Mandeville, LA, and brother-in-law Art Jagemann, Manitowoc.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00a.m. on Saturday, March 26th, 2022, at St. Francis of Assisi on Marshall (1114 South 21st Street, Manitowoc). The Rev. Doug LeCaptain and Deacon Alan Boeldt will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial with burial of his cremated remains to follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by the American Legion Drews-Bleser Post #88 of Manitowoc. Relatives and friends may call at the church on Saturday from 9:30a.m. until the time of services at 11:00a.m.
The Pfeffer Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com.
The funeral will be live streamed and recorded and can be viewed by visiting https://www.facebook.com/LakeshoreFamilyFH/. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund in his name has been established for Alzheimer’s research
The family extends a special thank you to Jay’s Legacy for the warmth and compassion they provided to Dennis and his family during his in-home care, especially Linda whose care allowed him to stay at home for as long as he did. Also, thank you to Tender Reflections and Heartland Hospice for their kindness and grace during his brief stay.
A final expression of gratitude goes to Dennis’ long-time friend, Dale, for his regular visits during Dennis’ last years of illness. We appreciate how the company you and the friends you have brought with you kept him in good spirits and allowed him to continue to socialize in his own special way.
