Obituary of John William Markgraf

John William “Jack” Markgraf, age 93, late of Palm Harbor, FL, and a long time  resident of Joliet, passed away Monday, March 21, 2022 at Palm Garden of  Clearwater in Clearwater, FL.

Born July 14, 1928 in Joliet, he was the son of Howard and Ida (Krause) Markgraf.

Jack was the longtime and proud owner of Markgraf Construction Company, where he was known as a wonderful craftsman, taking great pride in his work. In his youth he was an outstanding basketball player for Princeville, Illinois High School.  He was an avid Chicago sports fan of the Cubs, Bears and Blackhawks.  He and his wife, Betty, and daughter, Janet, relocated from Joliet to Palm Harbor, Florida in 2018.  He had owned a home there for many years and enjoyed the warm sun and fresh air and there was never a bad day in Palm Harbor.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Howard.

Surviving are his beloved wife of 72 years, Betty J. (Lester) Markgraf; his three children, John (Rita) Markgraf of St. Charles, IL, Judy (Jack) Querio of Collegeville, PA and Janet Markgraf of Palm Harbor, FL; Also surviving are grandchildren, Elizabeth Querio (Jason) Pedaci of Haverford, PA, Grant (Ashley) Markgraf of Elmhurst, Illinois; and great grandchildren, Delaney, Marlowe, Arden and Wells Markgraf.

Services for John W. “Jack” Markgraf will be private.  Entombment will be in Woodlawn Mausoleum.

Fred C. Dames Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  For more information, please call (815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com