Virgil Arthur Markert, 88, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 in Baraboo, surrounded by family and friends. He was born April 26, 1923 in Honey Creek Township, the son of the late Eddie and Lasetta (Kaufman) Markert. Virgil was a graduate of Prairie du Sac High School in 1941 and played softball with the Denzer Blues. He started portraying Santa Claus at the age of 14 and continued for 68 years, never missing a year. He also loved to fish, dance and garden. He served as Honey Creek town treasurer for 44 years and fire warden for 18 years. He was employed at the Sauk Prairie Hospital for 10 years and Jefferson Meadows Nursing Home for 10 years prior to retirement.



Virgil was united in marriage to Evelyn (O'Dell) Campbell on August 11, 1984 and they enjoyed 27 wonderful fun-filled years together. Virgil will be remembered as a warm, compassionate man with charm and wit. He made new friends wherever he went and will be forever missed.


Survivors include his wife, Evelyn; step-children, Charlotte Campbell, Alan Campbell, Debora Cook and Eddie Campbell; four nieces, Sherry (Larry) Thorlton, Michelle McNeil, Teri Musser and Taunia (Dean) Stout; a sister-in-law, Karen (Roman) Pagel; ten step-grandchildren; eleven step-great-grandchildren; great-nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Delvin and Merlin; a sister, Lenora; a step-daughter, Bonnie Campbell; and a niece, Tammy Mazarek.


A funeral service will be held at Denzer United Methodist Church at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, December 23, 2011, with Pastor Becky Henke officiating. Burial will follow in Denzer Cemetery. Friends may call at Hooverson Funeral Home, Sauk City, from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 22, 2011.