Alice L. Markus

Alice L. Markus, age 78, passed away Tuesday, February 20, 2018, at Lakeshore Manor, Racine, after a long fight with Parkinson’s Disease. She was born in Milwaukee, WI, on November 11, 1939, to Alex and Marie Herdt.

Alice grew up with her beloved mom, dad and six sisters in Lancaster, WI, later moving to Racine. She attended St. Catherine’s High School, where she met the love of her life, Robert H. Markus, and graduated in 1957. They married on February 7, 1959, at the old Sacred Heart Church, where they became long-time parishioners and supporters though the late 1970s.

Alice’s life was family, friends and the Catholic church, supplemented by a 23-year career at SC Johnson. Alice and Bob quickly added four children into their family while Bob was still in college and working nights at JI Case. Focus was always on the kids, with both Alice and Bob leading Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts troops, presiding over school activities and organizing the next church fundraiser. Card nights and kids’ birthday parties with close family friends Rose and Al Bratton and Alice’s sisters and spouses became lifelong fond memories.

Once the kids were in grade school, Alice took on yet another challenge at SC Johnson. She quickly became SCJ’s most vocal cheerleader and worked her way up to a Senior Accts Payable role, retiring in 1988. Trips to Armstrong Park, Fence Lake, the JMBA Center and other Johnson activities became favorite pastimes. Everyone knew to never use a Johnson competitor’s product around her.

Alice maintained her career while supporting Bob in his climb to Vice President, Finance at Jacobsen Textron and encouraging the kids through college degrees, two obtaining doctorates. A dream home on Lake Sherwood in Rome, WI, came shortly after, followed by her biggest wish and blessing -- grandchildren to spoil there.

Alice and Bob were most recently members of St. Paul the Apostle Parish and remained Communion distributors and confirmation teachers for decades.

She is dearly missed by her husband of 59 years, Robert Markus; daughters Kathleen (Rick) Ambrose, Susan (Doug) Shireman and son Tim (Lorie) Markus. Also sisters Joan Schinkowitch, Dorothy Beyer, Rita (Don) Nienhaus, Jeanne (Walter) Stobb and Margaret (Paul) Rice, and close family friend Rose Bratton; sisters-in-law Mary Ann Bruzas and Gail Markus; brother-in-law Emmert Dose; grandchildren Jack, Peter and Lily Shireman, Mindy Ramig and Eric Ambrose, plus nieces, nephews and dear friends too many to mention. Alice was preceded in death by her son Dr. Thomas Markus, her parents, her sister Carol Dose, and brothers-in-law Don Schinkowitch, Bob Bruzas and Bill Markus.

Heartfelt thanks to Rose, Rita, Joan and Mary Ann for their tireless efforts in making Alice comfortable during frequent hospice care visits. Also thanks to all staff at Lakeshore Manor and Hospice Alliance, Inc. for their daily loving care.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, February 27, 2018, 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring Street, with Rev. William Dietzler officiating. At Alice’s request, the day will begin with a rosary recital starting at 9:30 a.m., followed by informal visitation with the family at the church from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. A brief interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Highway 32.

Casual attire is welcome, as Alice’s favorite style was “lakehouse wear.” Memorials may be made to: Toys for Tots, to celebrate Alice’s and Bob’s long time affiliation with the organization; Hospice Alliance, Inc. in thanks for their care of Alice; or St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church.