Ronald D. “Ron” Markee

Ronald D. “Ron” Markee, age 82, of East Dubuque, IL, completed his earthly journey suddenly at home on December 23, 2024.  To honor Ron’s life, a private family Celebration of Life is being held.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Ron’s family.

Ron was born on April 4, 1942, in Boscobel, WI, a son to Donald D. and Viola M. (Hanaman) Markee.  He was gifted with an intrinsic mechanical ability and spent most of his life leaning towards all thing automotive on many levels.  Ron invested his time and talents with CFS Continental, at Adams Sinclair as a mechanic for many years, but primarily owned and operated Markee Trucking as his primary career and passion.  He thoroughly enjoyed working on vehicles, keeping his skills up to date on new innovations in the field whenever possible.  He also did a little racing in his earlier years, primarily during the 70’s, but never relinquished his appreciation for NASCAR until the end.  Ron could diagnose your vehicle just by listening to it and his happy place was truly when he had a wrench firmly in hand.

Ron found his soul-mate, Linda Hartshorn early on in life and the two faced the world together for over 58 years until she was sadly called home ahead of him only last month in November.  It was quite obvious to all who knew and loved Ron that his heart was permanently broken and only to be mended again once they were back together for the eternal portion of their walk.  His sudden absence it difficult to face, but we know that the remainder of his life here on earth was only going to be a lonely journey for Ron.  We are grateful that their love has been reunited now even as our hearts break to know that we have lost them both, and especially during the Christmas season.  Thank you, Ron, for living your life on your terms, even when we couldn’t always understand, and for the important life lessons you leave behind for us to treasure.  May the Lord keep you and bless you today as you spend Christmas in the presence of our Savior and may you and Mom never again have to face another day apart.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Ron include,

his five children,

Gary (Michelle) Markee, Arlington, TX,

Valerie Markee, Waterloo, IA,

Pamela “Pam” (Steve) Schueller, Hazel Green, WI,

Kevin (Rachel) Markee, Elroy, IL,

and Jeff Markee, Lena, IL;

his twenty adored grandchildren,

Gavin Markee, Emily Markee, Allison Markee, Lindsay Markee, Aaron Birch, Alicia Birch, Austin Birch, Aubrianna (Quentin) Falls, Kayla (Anj) DePaepe, Hayley Shaffer, Jared Shaffer, Ellie Schueller, Noah Schueller, Austin Markee, JoAnna Markee, Bryce Pehl, Tyler Pehl, Austin Markee, Tyler Dickerson, and Amber Dickerson;

his siblings,

Marilyn (Sam) Baggs, Adams Co, WI,

Clifford Markee, Platteville, WI,

Dede Haas, Dubuque, IA,

and Bonnie Douglas, Dubuque, IA;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Donald D. Markee and Viola M. Markee-Bogardus; his loving wife, Linda Markee; and his siblings, Donald Markee, Jr., Dennis (Diane) Markee, Kenneth (Sharon) Markee, and Judy (John) Schroeder.

In lieu of flowers, a Ronald D. Markee memorial fund has been established.

Ron’s family would like to thank the East Dubuque Police Department, Fire Department and EMS for all of their professional and compassionate care.

Online condolences may be shared with Ron’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com