Delbert Marquardt
Delbert Arthur Marquardt was born Oct. 10, 1946, the second child born to Arthur Walter Marquardt and Maxine (Span) Marquardt. At first sight, it was obvious that this baby was going to be a very special human being. Doctors warned the parents that their new son, with his disabilities, would never live past the age of 35 and they needed to consider putting him in an institution. They refused.
Even before his elementary years, Delbert’s father was instrumental in teaching and guiding him into “always do your best” and “never give up”! He attended school through the eighth grade at a little country school, District No. 6 and then District No. 7. He attended ninth grade at Julesburg High School, but because he became unable to walk, he had no formal classroom education after that year.
But his learning didn’t stop! Even though he did not have any formal lessons from the school, he read everything he could. He was awarded a diploma with the rest of his class in 1964.
He was later able to walk, and after working with his parents on the farm for four years, he decided he wanted to go to college. His cousin Raymond Marquardt, a college professor, was instrumental in that encouragement. He took entrance tests and “aced” them!
He attended Northeastern Junior College in Sterling for two years, then transferred to Colorado State University. He joined the Farm House fraternity and spent many hours there, making friendships which he still had.
In 1974, he was one quarter from graduation when his father was diagnosed with cancer and asked him to return home to help on the farm. He did so. There he farmed with his mother, continuing on after the death of his father.
In 1985, Maxine retired and moved into town. Delbert took over the full operation of the corporation. It was said by their accountant/farm consultant that the corporation would go into bankruptcy the following year, but his determination to bring it back paid off. Today he has built a thriving business.
He had a passion for drag racing. He built his own car which won him several trophies. He traveled to Hawaii twice, Mexico City and other points in the Caribbean. He bought an airplane and took flying lessons. Being a farm operator, he drove the tractors, combine and semis.
He started his hobby of refurbishing 17 antique John Deere tractors, with help. He started collecting classic cars, with ’77 and ’81 Corvettes, and his pride and joy, a 1965 Mustang. In addition, he collected five Model T’s and with friend Jim Lightfoot had them refurbished.
In 2012, he became very ill and was hospitalized for four months. Insisting that he return home, and being warned by doctors that if he did so he would die, he enlisted the help of a friend and part-time office secretary, Donna Lawson. She because his full-time nurse.
His lifelong dream of having a wife and family was achieved on June 27, 2019, when he persuaded Donna to marry him. In this union, he gained two sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved every one of them, and they adored him!
He was a humble man with a firm faith in God. It could be said he was one of the best wheat farmers in the area, but to him that production was “a gift from God.” He was very intelligent. He insisted that his dealings with friends, neighbors and business associates be fair. He was generous and deeply cared about anyone he knew. He was well acquainted with the words “please” and “thank you” and would help anyone he could.
He worked very hard, long hours and expected those who worked with him to do the same. Every waking moment he was thinking how he could improve his operation. One of his greatest moments was when a college professor and his college adviser came out to visit and applaud him on his accomplishments. He never understood why people would think he’d done something so great — he was simply doing his job!
On the eve of his death, he had a conversation with a former hired man, Joe Notario. Delbert had been very close to his daughter as a little girl, and they spent many hours together while her father worked for him. He always felt Tara was his “adopted” daughter! He asked for permission to adopt her, and it was granted. Another dream came true!
Delbert met his Savior face to face on Jan. 15, 2022, leaving Melissa Memorial Hospital in Holyoke, surrounded by family members and special business friend Greg Brecht.
He was preceded in death by both maternal and paternal grandparents; his parents, Arthur and Maxine Marquardt; beloved sister, Sharon Soper; and his constant companion for the last 13 years, Jezzy.
Left to mourn his death are his wife, Donna; stepsons, Brent and Michael; five step-grandchildren; 12 step-great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Max Soper; and several aunts and uncles, many cousins and other extended family members.
The funeral service was held Jan. 24 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Venango, Nebraska, with Pastor Kurt Hatteberg officiating. Interment followed at the Venango Cemetery.
Baucke Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.