Jeffery Gebhardt Markstrum

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved brother, Jeffery James Gebhardt Markstrum, who left us on December 10, 2024, at the age of 81. Born on April 30, 1943, in Wausau, Wisconsin. Jeff was a kind-hearted and generous soul.

In 1961 Jeff graduated from Newman Catholic High School. After high school, he went on to earn his Associate Degree in Automotive Mechanics from Northcentral Technical College. Jeff then went on to proudly serve in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1968. After his service, he took to the roads as an Over The Road Driver, where he established a stellar driving record that he was truly proud of. His love for cars extended to NASCAR Racing, and he cherished his classic 1958 red and black Edsel.

Outside of work, Jeff found joy in many pastimes. He loved spending time with family, relishing Friday fish fries, and cheering on the Brewers and Green Bay Packers. Whether it was on the water boating or watching a thrilling NASCAR race, he embraced the moments that brought happiness.

Jeff leaves behind his loving siblings: Julie Markstrum Scesniak, Tim Markstrum, Paula (Richard) Barnes, and Michele Pickerill. He was a beloved uncle to Alex (Amy) Barnes, Briley Pickerill, and Molly Pickerill; and a proud great-uncle to Aspen and Aurora Barnes. He will also be missed by his Uncle Jerry Eckes and a multitude of cousins from the Gebhardt, Markstrum, and Eckes families, along with his great friends Chuck, Ellen, and Tom Straub.

Jeffery was preceded in death by: his parents August Gebhardt, Daniel and Lucile(Eckes) Markstrum, brother Peter Markstrum, brother-in-law Jon Scesniak, and sister-in-law Terri Markstrum. 

There will be a visitation for Jeff on Sunday, December 15 at Brainard Funeral Home 5712 Memorial Court, Weston, from 3 pm until the time of his memorial service at 5 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jeff's name may be made to Wausau Eagles Aerie and Auxillary #251,1703 S. 3rd Ave of Wisconsin Veterans Home at King, N2665 County Road QQ, King, WI 54946 Attn: Donations for Moses Hall Activities or Home Food Exchange-Cafe

Jeff will be remembered for his infectious spirit and the love he shared with all who knew him. His legacy of joy and camaraderie will carry on in our hearts. Rest in peace, dear Jeff. You will be missed tremendously.

Jeff's family would like to thank the staff at Wisconsin Veterans Home-King-Moses 2A and Theda Care Regional Medical Center for their exceptional care provided to Jeff