Richard Markus

Richard J. Markus, age 88 of St. Paul, formerly of Waseca, died on Saturday, January 16, 2010 at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Minneapolis.             Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, January 28th at 12:00 noon at the Minnesota Veterans Home Chapel in Minneapolis with Fr. Marty Schaefer, Celebrant. Interment with military honors will be in the Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.             The Markus Family will greet friends on Thursday morning from 11:30 until 12:00 noon, at the Minnesota Veterans Home Chapel. McRaith Funeral Home of Waseca is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to donor's choice.             Richard Joseph was born on February 17, 1921 in Plainview, Minnesota to Joseph and Florence (Mulcahy) Markus. Richard entered military service in the U.S. Army on October 8, 1942. He served in the Pacific Theater until his honorable discharge on November 17, 1945. Following his military service he moved to Waseca where he began a 40 year career with the Chicago Northwestern Railroad. Richard was united in marriage to Elizabeth "Beth" Thommes on April 30, 1949 at St. Columbus Catholic Church in St. Paul. Richard was active in the Waseca community where he served on the City Council from 1981 to 1987, and was elected Mayor in 1987. He had also been active in the Waseca VFW Sweet-Sommers Post #1642, and the Waseca American Legion Post #228. Richard and Beth were members of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waseca until 2005 when they moved to St. Paul.               He is survived by his wife Beth of St. Paul; by his children Marietta (William) Shorter, Thomas (Debra) Markus, Jeanne (Rol) Menge, Catherine Markus, Nancey (John) Aamot, and Barbara Markus; by ten grandchildren and three great grandchildren; by two sisters Kristi (Dennis) Malloy, and Dora Lou (William) Lynch; by his sister-in-law Darlene Markus; by many nieces and nephews and other relatives.             He was preceded in death by his parents; by his son Matthew and daughter Caroline; by brother Robert Markus, and his sister Betty (Robert) Schwank.