Gerald R. Markgraf

Gerald R. Markgraf, age 87, of Antigo, passed away Friday, June 6, 2025 at William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison. 

Gerald was born on July 26, 1937 in Antigo a son of the late John and Regina (Schisel) Markgraf.

Jerry served in the US Army from September 23, 1958 until his honorable discharge September 21, 1964.

On October 20, 1962, he was united in marriage to Phyllis Noskowiak at St. Hyacinth’s Catholic Church.

Gerald’s many years of hard work included everything from farming to growing and selling Christmas Trees. For Jerry and Phyllis, the weeks leading up to Christmas were spent making their home in Chicago selling trees. For over 30 years they provided beautiful Northwoods trees to the Chicago residents. During one of their stays, they were blessed to meet Rhonda and Curtis Lossiah, who became dear friends that welcomed Jerry and Phyllis and provided their home as home away from home to Phyllis and Jerry.

Jerry was a member of St. Jospeh’s Holy Family Catholic Church in Phlox. He also belonged to the RRR Club and Wisconsin Horse Racing Association.

In addition to his wife, Phyllis, Jerry is survived by 7 children: Kurt Markgraf of Antigo, Lori (Bernie) Ford of Wausau, Randy (Shelley) Markgraf of Cape Coral, FL, Ricky (Charlene) Markgraf of Farmington, NY, Rodney (Christine) Markgraf of Pine Plains, NY, Jody Markgraf of Antigo, and Kelly Markgraf (Ramon Vazquez) of Shortsville, NY; 10 grandchildren; Kaitlyn Ford, Matthew Ford, Jeffrey Ford, Heather Willenbacher, Mikaela Markgraf, Jordan Markgraf, Kevin Markgraf, Kyle Markgraf, Maggie Markgraf, Dominic Vazquez; great grandchildren: Loralei and Lucy Willenbacher, 5 sisters: Mary Lee Jensen, Maxine Rice, Sharon (Rich) Powell, Debbie Thom, Teri (Tom) Cernoch, a brother David (Linda) Markgraf, and many nieces, nephews and dear friends that were like family.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his sisters: Delores and Sandy and brothers: Ronnie and Greg.

A memorial Mass will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025 at St. Joseph’s Holy Family Catholic Church in Phlox at 12:00 noon. Visitation will be at the church from 10:00 AM until the Mass. Father Charles Hoffmann will officiate.

In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established in Gerald’s name.