I only learned of this sad news today, August 29th, 2024. I called him and left a message to call me back a few days ago. He didn't return my call.. He ALWAYS called me back. I googled his name and found this immensely unfortunate news of his passing. This man and I were friends for 25 years. I am a traveller, and met him in 1999 in the course of my duties in the investment business. I've met thousands of people in my life, and very few of them I am drawn to like a magnet. Markus was instantly fascinating to me from the moment I met him. I would call him whenever I was in the area. He introduced me to the supper clubs. We had a million conversations about a billion subjects. He was a world class conversationalist. He was passionate. He was intelligent. He was an "old soul". Art, history, geography, geology, religion, engineering, investing, culture, language, food, politics....it did not matter what the subject was...he would engage. And, if he was not well versed, he would ask a question after question to learn. What a fascinating man. He loved learning about everything and everyone. He introduced me to farmers, mailmen, diesel operators, cops, lawyers, mayors, priests, coaches, etc. Going to dinner with him was an ADVENTURE. You never knew what the hell was going to happen and who you were going to meet. It was like going to a carnival. When I told him I was going to get engaged, he said "don't buy a ring!... meet me at Friar Tucks next Wednesday in Fond du Lac.". I showed up, and he had contacted a "buddy" who was a diamond wholesaler. He had a briefcase with about 20 diamonds of different sizes and qualities. He said pick one out you like. I did. He said "take it and go get engaged...my buddy trusts me he will send you a bill.". My wife has that ring on her finger and Markus brought the diamond to me personally delivered. I met his mother Ebba two decades ago and the two of them introduced me to Martinis. I knew instantly that Markus was raised by good parents. She was sharp, serious, and friendly. She had an executive presence, I was intimidated by her and respectful just from her presence. He was raised by a strong woman. There are so many stories in my head from my times with this man I could write a book. I travelled with my wife to his places the UP - amazing. He was full of surprises. He was blunt and honest, finely polished in one instance and could be crude and brutal the next, which I admired and loved. You could tell always by the look on his face what he was thinking. So many weak and dishonest people in this world, Markus was the opposite. Strong and honest. I have lost one of the best and coolest friends I have ever had and I hope to see him on the other side when my time comes. God bless this big giant generous wonderful intelligent man. I loved him and I will miss him immensely. I thank God for bringing me this friend. Rest in peace big man, you made a difference in my life. You may be gone now buy I can hear your voice, and I can see your smile and will always remember your high pitched crazy laugh. You are a reason to hope for what lies ahead. I will miss you terribly.

David Hreha (Fellow Wanderer of the World) 2024-08-29 21:30:56

Markus was a great friend and will be missed by many. I worked with him for over 10 yrs and visited with my family in the UP. I know that he is up in Heaven with his parents whom he adored and having several Olive Soups. Rest in Heaven Markus. Miss you Jenny

jennifer dolde (friend) 2024-07-26 15:11:23

Markus was always a welcome visitor to our home. We spoke most weeks as he checked on me or I checked on him after Roy also his friend died He will always be remembered for his pizza skills which he made with my son. I will miss our many chats and send our condolences to his brother David and family

Ann Byrom and son Andrew (Friend) 2024-07-24 10:34:23

I have known Markus for almost 50 years. We started our first jobs in the mid-1970’s at Paul Weir Company in Chicago, which specialized in coal consulting. Five of us lived in the Chicago suburb of Glen Ellyn and commuted by train together playing cards during the trip. There were numerous parties at our houses and we all became close friends. Markus even helped us out by babysitting my son so we could go out for a special occasion. During this time, we twice traveled to Markus’ parent’s home in Big Rapids, Michigan. On one trip we canoed on the river with Markus’ brother, David, and on another went ice fishing. When Markus left Weir, we kept in touch and visited him at two of his homes in West Virginia and when he moved to Virginia. When I moved to Pittsburgh, he visited us several times and came to my wedding. When I began my own consulting business, Markus hired me for a project for the coal company he was then President of. When Markus left the coal business and started an investment agency in Kiel, Wisconsin, I opened an account with him. After his move to Kiel, several of us visited Markus at his beautiful home on Lake Superior, and at several lake houses and at his home in Kiel touring the Mill he had recently purchased. Markus was a great life-long friend and we will greatly miss him.

Paul Anderson (Friend) 2024-07-23 14:54:23

I am sad to learn Markus has passed away. His passion for life was one of his greatest gifts. His thirst for learning was unmatched. His wit and humor never failed. I am so happy to learn he was able to finish his restoration of the Mill. It was one of his many dreams. Sending hugs and comfort to David, Carol and the boys.

Patti Callahsn (Friend) 2024-07-21 11:40:57

I first met Markus at an evening Silver Smithing class that he taught at MTU. We became quite good friends... A friendship that lasted through ALL the next 50 years. Many meals, many laughs, and much sharing. We were next supposed to get together this September for our annual event in Kiel, and then travel up to Chief Lake. I will miss him. Always. He was certainly "one-of-a-kind."

Bobbi Chase (Friend) 2024-07-20 18:20:31

Markus and I were roommates, with Wayne Methner, MTU Coed Hall, 1972-73. Big laughs. Debates over Nixon vs McGovern. Him driving us all around the Keweenaw in his red pickup truck, including High Rock Bay which I can't believe we got to since I tried to drive out there last summer. The last time I saw him at Chief Lake we saw a big ol bull moose while driving through his property in his Ford Edge with the check engine light still on. He knew the Latin names of all the trees. As others have said, he was one of the most generous dudes I've ever known, a keen observer of human nature, and refreshingly blunt when he needed to be. RIP Markus.

Bruce Campbell (Friend) 2024-07-14 15:59:36

Rest in peace my friend. I only met Markus about 12 years ago as we have adjacent properties near squaw and chief lakes. It was immediately evident that Markus was a very intelligent man who enjoyed joking around and telling stories. His presence at the lake will be missed.

Timothy Schaedig (Friend) 2024-07-10 20:01:37

I am sending this on behalf of my father Dr George Bowers. Marcus was a larger than life dear friend of both George and his wife Erma. His formidable intelligence and keen wit was exceeded only by his kindness. His fishing with George at L'anse, Michigan as well at Chief Lake near Republic, Michigan are some of my father's fondest memories. Both George and my mother Erma spoke of how much they enjoyed spending time with his mother when they would visit with her first at Kiel and later when she visited their home in Indiana. He was a kind and loyal friend to George after he developed dementia and made a point of calling to talk about their good times together on his birthday and Christmas. He will be greatly missed.

George W Bowers (Close friend ) 2024-07-05 12:49:43

I'll always remember his stories and jokes that made me laugh. RIP and prayers for the family.

Alison Shumate (Friend and Business Associate) 2024-06-28 16:27:37

Markus was a lifelong friend whom I will miss talking with very much. Rest well good and faithful friend. You were one of the best.

Elizabeth Winkelman (Friend) 2024-06-27 14:26:54

Rest in peace dear friend! We will miss Your unfailing good humor and wonderful sense of adventure! Mia Broome

Mia Broome (Longtime dear friend and colleague of both my husband Israel and myself) 2024-06-27 13:46:35

Markus was a great close friend for over 50 years, will be missed by me and the family. He was part of me and the Best there was at many things in life and much of it was natural to him; Best mutually trusted room mate in Wads at MTU, Best gem and Silver Smith, Best Man, Best Attendee at my children’s weddings, Best Coal consultant and Miner in Bib-Levis and chew USSteel & Mingo Logan mining WV, (He could jaw with the best), Best dressed PE Engineer and life long Stock broker (arranged tour of NYSE with myself & daughter), Best Sportsman hunter-of-hunters / Bass, Fly, Ice fisherman (Many Hours on Superior and Chief Lake), Best Outdoor & Wilderness lover, Best puppy sitter, Best Tour guide by far, Best Chef though a slow cooker, Best BS’er in fun, Best Martini Drinker at days end. The best times and stories go on and on. My family and I will go on remembering him for the next 50 years. The Best to his family and many supporting friends!

Bryan A Domagalski (Friend) 2024-06-25 12:09:04

I’m deeply saddened by the news of his passing. I’ve known Markus since I was a child. He was a caring soul who always genuinely wanted what was best for those he knew and loved. Although I hadn’t spoken to him recently, I thought of him often and this loss will be felt deeply. I will miss his stories and his laughter. My prayers to his family and friends.

Michael Voorheis (Friend) 2024-06-24 20:46:49

What a shock to hear of Markus' passing when reaching out about getting together during our 50th graduation anniversary celebration next month. Many fond memories come quickly to mind. As he did for Tibor, Markus custom designed and made my wife's pre-engagement ring. He later served as one of my groomsmen. Paula and I offer our prayers for peace for David, his family, and other family and friends.

Wes Patrick (Friend and fellow Tech mining Engineering graduate) 2024-06-24 15:59:07

So sorry to hear of Markus' passing. He spent a lot of time in the L'Anse area and actually made my wife's engagement and wedding rings. He had lots of plans that he wanted to achieve before passing. May he and his brothers family find peace.

Tibor Lanczy (Friend) 2024-06-20 11:25:00