Kenneth "Ken" Marquardt '58 October 24, 2024 5:04 PM updated: October 24, 2024 5:18 PM
Kenneth Wayne "Ken" Marquardt
August 22, 1936 - September 14, 2024
With heavy hearts but immense gratitude for a life well-lived, we announce the passing of Kenneth Wayne Marquardt, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, on September 14th, 2024, in Kendall County, Texas.
Born on August 22, 1936, in San Antonio, Texas, Kenneth’s life was a testament to love, dedication, and service. He was the cherished husband of Suzanne Marie Rath-Marquardt, with whom he shared a remarkable 63 years of marriage, celebrating a lifetime of love, joy, and adventure since their union on April 29, 1961.
Ken’s legacy lives on through his son, Kent Steven Marquardt and his adored grandchildren, Matthew Steven Marquardt and Sarah Elise Marquardt; his daughter Marianne Fly and her husband Brady; his youngest daughter Kimberly Sue Neu and her husband Steven and his adored grandchildren Jackson Neu and Kate Neu; all of whom brought immense joy and pride to his life. He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Otto and Linda Marquardt. He is survived by his sister Donna Rae Crow and her husband JC and his nephews Steven, David, and his niece Stephanie.
A proud graduate of San Antonio’s Brackenridge High School, Ken’s youth was marked by his active participation in his athletic skills on the baseball diamond. His passion for sports continued throughout his life.
Ken graduated from Texas A&M University in 1958 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the US Army reserves as an Engineer. After Basic at Fort Leonard Wood, he was assigned to Fort Belvoir. Returning to Texas, he accepted a position with the Texas Highway Department where he earned his title as a certified Professional Engineer.
After the Highway Department, he worked as an engineer at Prestressing Industries. As his career continued, Ken became very involved with the San Antonio A&M Club and was elected President of the Club in 1976. He has continued his involvement throughout the rest of his life and deeply committed to the San Antonio A&M Scholarship Board.
He left the Highway Department in 1969 and went to work at Holt Machinery, Caterpillar Company as a Materials Handling business developer. In 1976 he was designated the Vice President of the Materials Handling Division at Holt. In 2000 he left Holt to continue work as a certified PE at Raba-Kistner Engineers until his retirement in 2014.
Kenneth W. Marquardt’s light will continue to shine in the hearts of those who loved him. His life was a blessing, his memory a treasure, and he will be dearly missed by all. Ken was 88 years old.