In Memory

Bill Marquardt

Bill Marquardt

February 22, 1943 - March 23, 2020

BILL MARQUARDT

Billy Joe Marquardt, 77, of Bradenton, Florida, formerly of Bloomington-Normal, passed away March 23, 2020, at Manatee Memorial ospital, Bradenton, Florida.

Bill was born February 22, 1943, in Bloomington-Normal.  He graduated from Bloomington High School and Eastern Illinois University.

Bill is survived by his wife of 54 years, Paulette;' daughter, Tina (Dave) Meyer; son, Derek Marquardt (Jerry); grandchildren Kala (Josh) Ward and Brooke Witzig (Jesse); three great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary Kerfoot (nephew, Rick) and Donna Taylor; brothers, Donny Marquardt and Charlie Johnson.

He was a teacher and a homebuilder, loving husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, and best friend for many.

From 1967 to 2003, Bill was a successful wrestling coach and official, but officiating became one of his greatest passions.  In 2006 they honored him with the Lifetime Service to Wrestling Award and inducted him into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Bill harbored the desire to "give back" to the sport he embraced and enjoyed being a part of for most of his life.  Therefore, the family would be thrilled if instead of flowers you kindly donated to the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association (www.IWCOA.net). Your donation will help sponsor important wrestling programs in Bill's name.  We set up a memorial with GoFundMe.com, www.gofundme,com and search for  bill-marquardt-iwcoa-memorial-fund. 

Bill will be cremated.  Then to honor his humor and quick-witted bigger than life personality, we will plan a celebration of life with plenty of popcorn and friends at a later time.



 
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04/06/20 05:20 PM #1    

Don Tompkins

Rest in peace, Bill. I know Heaven is wonderful...enjoy. We will join you someday.

 


04/06/20 10:24 PM #2    

Patsy Whitecotton (Barggren)

I'm very sad to learn of Billy's passing.  He was a special person,  a long time friend and one of my favorite classmate from the 5th grade on.   It was shocking to hear he left us.  Does anyone know what caused his passing.  He just all ways seemed bigger than life so it is hard to believe he left us earlier than other classmates.  His memorial failed to include he was also a member of the Bloomington High School Hall of Fame as well as the wresting hall of fames.  I will ceretainly miss him as I know many of us will.  RIP dear friend, we have no doubt you are in Heaven.  Enjoy your reunion with your friend's, classmates, family and loves ones who left before you.  Billy, you will never be forgotten.  Deepest condolences to Paulette and his remaining family.  God be with all of you and help you thru these difficult times of grief.  Peace be with you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


05/04/20 02:13 PM #3    

Marty Faggetti

I'm very saddened to learn of Billy's passing and extend my sympathy to Paulette and his entire family. He was such a warm friendly person and I always enjoyed being around him. I vividly remember his intense competitive spirit and the passion he had for the sport of wrestling. I'm not surprised that he was so successful in that endeavor and that he was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Billy Marquardt lived a great life, was a great man and was a true winner in so many ways.


05/05/20 10:52 AM #4    

Vera Taminger (Reeves)

I, too, was sad to hear of Bill's death but we know he is in a better place now wroshipping our Lord with others that have gone before him to their heavenly home. I pray God will give to each familly member and those grieving his death - wonderful memories of Bill each and every day. I know Bill touched many lives and hearts throughout his time here on this earth and we are thankful to God for his life! May God's Presence and Peace and Comfort be felt by his wonderful family and many friends. Sincerely, vera


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