Louis Elmer Markstrom

Louis Elmer Markstrom, age 78, of St. Ignace, Michigan, formerly of Kinross, Michigan, died June 30, 2016, in St. Ignace. He was born September 29, 1937, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to Andrew August Markstrom and Mary E. (Osterlund) Markstrom. Louis grew up in Cedarville where he graduated from high school in 1955. He sailed the Great Lakes on a freighter, the Peter Reiss, for a year and then worked construction locally and then in the Detroit. He met Shirley Mae Seppala, who was also from the U.P., in Warren, Michigan, and they were married June 26, 1965, in Hancock, Michigan. While Shirley worked as a teacher, Louis began his college career in Alpena where he attended Alpena Community College. The couple moved to Marquette and Louis continued his education at Northern Michigan University earning both his Bachelor and Masters Degrees in physical education. He became the physical education teacher at Rudyard Area Schools in 1969. In 1977 he began working for Kinross Correctional Facility and worked there as athletic director until he retired in 1997. During retirement, Louis and Shirley enjoyed traveling and spent several winters in Orange Beach, Alabama. They moved to St. Ignace four years ago. Louis was an active member at the St. James Lutheran Church in Rudyard where he would often sing as part of the service. He also served on the Kinross Township Park Board for several years. Louis enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing horseshoes, and other outdoor activities. Louis is survived by his wife, Shirley; sons, Scott Markstrom of Kinross and Jeff (Michelle) of Williamston, Michigan; and granddaughters, Kaitlin and Julia Markstrom. He is also survived by brothers, Bill (Joanne) Markstrom of Sault Ste. Marie, Charlie (Mae) Markstrom of Cedarville, Raymond (Ruth) Markstrom of Cedarville, and James (Janet) Markstrom of Cheboygan, Michigan; and sister, Betty Izzard of Cedarville. Louis was preceded in death by his parents; half-sister, Jennie Markstrom; and brother-in-law, Herman Izzard. Services will be held Tuesday, July 5, at St. James Lutheran Church, 1115 W. Third Street in Rudyard. Visitation will be held from 12:00 Noon until 2:30 P.M. with the funeral service beginning at 2:30 P.M. Pastor Matthew Lamb will conduct the service. Burial will be in Cedar Cemetery in Cedarville. Memorial contributions may be made to St. James Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 156, Rudyard, MI 49780.

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Louis Elmer Markstrom

September 29, 1937 - June 30, 2016