Ersileen M. Marquardt, 99

Ersileen M. Marquardt, 99, of Wyoming, MN, and formerly of Sumner, Iowa, died Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, of vascular complications. Ersileen was born May 8, 1922, in Strawberry Point, Iowa, along with her identical twin sister. She was the daughter of Irvie and Alma (Debes) Carpenter. Ersileen was a 1939 graduate of Strawberry Point High School. The twins tied for Salutatorian. Ersileen attended Coe College, Upper Iowa and University of Northern Iowa, receiving her degree in Education. She taught in Clayton County rural schools. The twins taught together in Luana and Sumner before they married.

The twins had a double wedding ceremony. On June 26, 1947, Ersileen was united in marriage with Howard Marquardt. One son, Dennis and one daughter, Colleen, were born into this union. Ersileen taught at North Liberty, Geneseo Consolidated School and Sumner, where she retired from teaching. She moved to Wyoming, Minnesota, in 2009, to live with her daughter. Ersileen was a member of the United Methodist Church and Ladies Circle. She also was a lifelong member of the Eastern Star, Oelwein Chapter.

She was an avid reader. Ersileen also enjoyed her family, exercising and loved to do crossword puzzles (up to one week before her passing.) She was a compassionate, kind lady with a great sense of humor.

Survivors include her son Dennis (Mary) Marquardt, Minneapolis, MN, her daughter, Colleen Howe, Wyoming, MN, two grandsons, Brett of Minneapolis, MN, and Nathan, of Eagan, MN.

Celebration of life will be Monday, October 17, at the Sumner United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., with the service at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow at the church. Interment will be at the Strawberry Point Cemetery.

Please participate in a life well lived. Please bring to Ersileen’s celebration of life a story or thought about her that made you laugh or brought a smile to your face, or how she impacted your life! Thank you!

Ersileen was preceded in death by her husband Howard, Sept. 23, 2005, and five siblings: twin sister Eileen Hoffman, Art Carpenter, Bernice Carpenter, Ivadell Carpenter and Dr. Duane Carpenter. She was also preceded by a niece, Wanda Batchelder.