Obituary for Linda Mae Marquart

Linda Mae Marquart (Waggoner), age 88, passed away on August 23, 2022. Born on February 8, 1934 in Dexter, Michigan to Jay and Florence Waggoner, she grew up on a farm in Dexter with her three older brothers, Bruce, Wayne and John.

She met the love of her life and future husband, Norm, on a blind date. They married on February 6, 1954. They enjoyed 62 years together, living primarily in the Portland community with their two daughters.

Like her mother, Linda chose to teach. The majority of her thirty plus years in the classroom were spent with middle school students at Portland Public Schools. She fully engaged with her students. It was not unusual for students to stop by Mrs. Marquart’s after school for impromptu visits. She ended her teaching career working with adult alternative education students and took great satisfaction in seeing them earn their diplomas.

A pianist and organist, Linda served her beloved First Congregational Church community. She loved to play on Sunday mornings with her granddaughter, Kelly at her side. She thrived in the fellowship of her church family, hosting Bible studies in her home for several years.

Linda and Norm delighted in their four grandchildren and took great pride in watching them grow into young adults. In 2016, circumstances required that they move to a nursing home in St. Joseph, Michigan. Despite their relocation, many friends from Portland maintained a connection. Betty Jane Thalmann, a lifelong friend from grade school, was diligent about sending cards, making phone calls and visiting when possible. She is a loyal and treasured friend.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, and husband. She leaves to celebrate and cherish her memory daughters LeAnn (Gary) Krokker, Carol (Art) Alexander; four grandchildren: Melissa Krokker, Kelly (Abraham) Diaz, Daniel (Claire) Krokker and Paige Alexander; and three great grandchildren.

A Funeral Service will be conducted at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at the First Congregational Church of Portland. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Dexter, Michigan. Memorial contributions can be made to the First Congregational Church or Feeding America. On line condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.

To our friends in the Portland community: As Mom and Dad’s health and mobility declined, so many of you stepped up to help them. For that, we will be forever grateful and will hold Portland dear to our hearts.