Robert Walter Marquardt

Robert Walter Marquardt

Born: June 20th, 1941 - Milwaukee, WI

Passed: Oct 23rd 2017 - Walloon Lake, MI

Oh the Places You'll Go

Robert (Bob) Marquardt of Walloon Lake, Michigan passed away peacefully in his home on Oct. 23, 2017 with his beloved wife and family by his side.

Bob was born to Raymond and Esther (Wiskow) Marquardt on June 20th, 1941 in Milwaukee, WI. He grew up in the Milwaukee Area with his sister Sally Brigden and attended Wauwatosa High School, graduating in 1959.

Bob had fond memories of his times at Purdue University, where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering and was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. While at Purdue he met “Bunny Easter” and on June 19th, 1965 he married his “Easter Bunny.”

After serving in the US Navy, Bob started two HVAC sales and service companies: Thermal-Netics, Inc and T_N Service in Southfield, MI. As the President of these companies for 35 years, Bob especially enjoyed helping refurbish historical buildings and making improvements to the University of Michigan campus. Bob was also a Founding Board Member of Inacomp, a computer company which was traded on the NYSC.

Bob was an active member of the communities he lived in. He served as President of the PTO in Troy, Michigan, was on the Melrose Township Planning Commission and was a member of the Walloon Lake Trust and Conservancy Board.

When Bob enjoyed something he really stuck with it.  This is very evident with his love to travel, having visited over 30 countries and six continents. His love of skiing and snowmobiling and especially his gentlemen’s garden (named “Pop’s Garden” by his granddaughters), where he would grow vegetables and flowers so that he could share his produce and bouquets with the community’s elderly neighbors.

Bob encouraged students to be involved in sports by starting a Ski Club for kids, coaching soccer, creating ice rinks for the neighborhood and teaching countless youths how to waterski.

Bob adored his wife Bunny and enjoyed spending time with their children: Ken (1967), married to Emily; Joanna (1969); and Scott (1970), married to Michael.

He is survived by them and his seven grandchildren: Tyler, Alyssa, Megan, Marli, Tanner, Sadie and Betty.

Bob had a love for Northern Michigan, its nature and community. In lieu of flowers, send a donation to the Walloon Lake Trust and Conservancy Board or the Hospice of Little Traverse.