(Picture of Robert and of Veteran Flag)

Former Blair resident Robert L. Marquardt, 88, of Austin, Texas, died April 23, 2008, after a brief battle with cancer.

A memorial service will be held at 9:30 a.m. May 10 at the Travis Oaks Baptist Church in Lago Vista, Texas.

Robert “Bob” Lee Marquardt was born Feb. 9, 1920, in Norfolk to A. W. and Gladys Marquardt. He graduated from Creighton High School and attended the University of Nebraska, where he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity.

On March 20, 1942, he married Dorothy “Dotty” Wilcox. The couple shared 53 years of marriage.

On March 24, 1943, he enlisted as a corporal in the United States Army, serving in the 770th Field Battalion.

He was a commander in the Ardennes offensive, more commonly known as the “Battle of the Bulge” during 1944 and 1945. He would earn a Purple Heart and Medal of Merit from the French government for his efforts in the war. He was honorably discharged on Dec. 21, 1945, at the rank of Captain.

After World War II, Mr. and Mrs. Marquardt moved to Tekamah and then Junction City, Kan., to start a family and open a mercantile store. The family moved to Blair where he owned and operated several businesses, including a grain elevator and home building business.

In later years, Mr. and Mrs. Marquardt moved to South Padre Island, Texas, there they were active members of the Chapel by the Sea.

They also lived in West Palm Beach, Fla., before Mr. Marquardt moved to Lago Vista after the death of his wife in the spring of 1995.

His family will remember him for his quick wit, beautiful smile and ability to make anyone feel at home in his presence.

He loved hunting, fishing and cheering on the Cornhuskers, even during the lean years. He took fierce love and pride in his family and was never too busy to spend time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Sandra “Sandy” Tyson-Scott and Jim Scott; son and daughter-in-law, Robert Jr. “B.J.” and Tana Marquardt; daughter-in-law, Maggie Marquardt; four grandchildren and their families, including seven great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, Jack Marquardt, son, William “Bill” Marquardt; son-in-law, Tom Tyson Sr.