James Russell Marquardt

James Russell Marquardt, 58, of Buffalo City passed away Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at his home. He was born Oct. 4, 1956, in Wabasha, a son of Wayne and Erma (Mueller) Marquart. Jim attended Cochrane-Fountain City Schools, graduating with the class of 1975. While in high school, Jim enjoyed playing basketball, baseball and football. On Aug. 7, 1976 James was united in marriage to Gayle Merchlewitz in Winona. To this union, two daughters were born. They later divorced. Jim was employed with the U.S. Corps of Engineers, working with the survey crew based out of Fountain City. Jim retired in 2011, after 30-plus years of service. Jim also owned a farm on the Alma bluff and will be remembered how much he enjoyed taking tractor rides with his girls on his lap. Jim thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors, deer hunting, playing euchre with his brothers at deer camp and the weekly Packers game get-togethers. His daughters remember his love for travel and will never forget the memorable trips throughout Mexico, but what they will remember the most is how he always made special times for them even after working for the Corps and on the farm. Jim will be sadly missed by his two loving daughters, Jamie Marquardt and her fiancé, Greg Denman of Deerfield, Wis., and Courtney and her husband, Tlacaelel “T” Contreras, currently of Madison; two brothers, Curt (Marilyn) Marquardt and Terry Marquardt, both of Buffalo City; andy nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial gathering and service will be noon until the time of services at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, at Talbot Family Funeral Home in Alma, Wis. Burial will be at a later date in Buffalo City Cemetery. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.talbotfuneralhomes.com.