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W. Curtis Marker

W. Curtis Marker

MARQUETTE, MI – W. Curtis “Curt” Marker, age 75, of Marquette, entered eternal life Tuesday, June 23, 2020, at The Lighthouse at Ishpeming Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Born February 12, 1945, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, a son of Wilbur and Ruth (Carlson) Marker, Curt was raised in several states as the family relocated. He graduated from Carmel High School in Carmel, Indiana, Class of 1963. A talented football player, Curt attended Northern Michigan University on an athletic scholarship, gaining All American honors and concluding his career at NMU by playing offensive guard. He played in two college all-star games and, in 1977, was inducted into the NMU Sports Hall of Fame. Following graduation, Curt was united in marriage to Beth Nieman on June 17, 1967, at Walled Lake, Michigan.

Together, the couple made their first home in Dallas, Texas where Curt had been drafted by the Dallas Cowboys. He played for the Cowboys for two years and upon being released, the couple moved back to Marquette and began raising their family. Curt then began an eleven year career selling life insurance for the Fidelity Union Life Insurance Company out of Dallas, Texas. He later founded his own construction company which he operated for ten years before becoming manager of Gospel Opportunities, Inc., Christian Radio Station WHWL in Harvey, a 30-year career he greatly enjoyed. Curt retired in 2015. Curt was very family oriented and enjoyed spending summers with them at the family cabin in northern Minnesota, fishing, and especially spending time with the grandchildren. He was great at creating fun things to do that didn’t require a lot of money and created many happy memories with those he loved. Curt had a passionate love for his Lord. He was an active member of Bethel Baptist Church where he served as a youth group leader, taught Sunday School, served as head of AWANA, and was involved in the planning and building of the current church building on Grove Street. He often used his football career in helping to spread the Gospel when speaking at youth gatherings, couples clubs, churches, and community groups.

Curt is survived by his wife, Beth Marker; his children, Craig (Kelly) Marker of Marquette, Michelle (Christopher) Bouldrey of Jackson, and Jeff (Jamie) Marker of Negaunee; his grandchildren, Heather Marker, Curtis Marker, Jaime Bouldrey, Jacob Bouldrey, Emily Marker, Megan Marker, Aubrey Palmer, and Morgan Palmer; his sisters, Carol Thompson, Adele (Wendell) Thomas, and Chris (Jon) Hope; many nieces and nephews who lovingly called him “Uncle C”. Curt was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Gene Thompson.

An informal gathering of family and friends, to celebrate Curt’s life, will be held at Bethel Baptist Church on Saturday, June 27, from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm. Due to current restrictions, masks will be required, social distancing will be practiced, and no reception will be held.

Interment will be made in the Park Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to Gospel Opportunities, Inc., WHWL, 130 Carmen Drive, Marquette, MI 49855.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of The Lighthouse at Ishpeming Health and Rehabilitation Center for the wonderful care they gave to Curt and for the many kindnesses extended to the family.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.