Eris J. Marquardt

Eris J. Marquardt

July 2, 1926 - Aug. 23, 2014

CULBERTSON, Neb. -- Eris J. Marquardt, age 88, of Culbertson, died at Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte, Nebraska, on Aug. 23, 2014.

She was born in Hamlet, Nebraska, on July 2, 1926, to Roy I. and Virgie (Huff) Smith.

On Nov. 7, 1943, she was united in marriage to D. L. "Duke" Marquardt; he preceded her in death in February 0f 2005. Throughout her life, she worked beside her husband in whatever endeavor he was involved in, including running farm machinery and driving a semi-truck as a relief driver. She worked beside him when he started his own earthmoving business, driving any one of the heavy machines to build terraces, benches, dams and leveling land. In later years, she worked for an international janitorial service out of Denver, as a payroll clerk. She traveled to other states to help set up offices and train new employees. Duke and Eris returned to Nebraska upon retirement in the early 1990s, making their home in Culbertson.

Eris was an accomplished seamstress, making most of her husband's and children's clothing until they left home. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting. She worked with Duke in his shop woodworking, often helping him drawing patterns, scroll work and help do finish work on many projects.

Eris was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Vicky Rehn; two brothers, Melvin Smith and John Smith; sister, Joyce Lockhart and son-in-law, Bob Elliott.

She is survived by her two daughters, Janice Elliott of Culbertson; Sandy Clevenger and husband, Tom of Culbertson; son, Joe (Gary) and wife, Joy (Stewart) Marquardt of Holdrege, Nebraska; nine grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; seven step- grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; six step-great-great grandchildren and son-in-law, Murray Rehn.

Funeral services will be on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2014, at 2 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church in Culbertson with Pastor John Lewis officiating. Interment will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2014, at 3 p.m. at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska.

Visitation will be on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Memorials may be left in Eris's name at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel. Friends may leave on-line condolences at herrmannfh.com

Herrmann Jones Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.