Michael J. Markvicka

Michael “Mike” J. Markvicka 65, of St. Paul, passed away on Wednesday, August 19, 2020 at CHI Health - St. Francis, in Grand Island.  Although he was an organ donor, his family will always remember him as a hero even though they were unable to follow through with his wishes because he had complications due to Covid 19.    

To honor Mike’s wishes, his body will be cremated after a private family viewing at Jacobsen-Greenway-Dietz Funeral Home.  A Private Inurnment will be in the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Cemetery in rural St. Paul.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 AM.on Tuesday, August 25, 2020 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in St. Paul with Father Rayappa Konka presiding. CDC guidelines will be followed. Memorials are suggested to the family to be designated at a later date.

Mike was born to Earl & Evangeline “Vangie” (Jerabek) Markvicka on December 10, 1954 in Omaha, Nebraska.  Mike was the oldest of their five children, growing up on the farm west of St. Paul.  Mike graduated from St. Paul High School in 1973.  He went right to work on the farm, raising crops and livestock.  He met Diana Landers, they dated in high school and they were united in marriage on July 20, 1974.  They lived in Howard County their entire married life.  They had two children Michael and Jennifer. Together they enjoyed traveling (especially on motorcycles through South Dakota), hunting and dining at various restaurants. They enjoyed visiting his uncle, Joe and aunt, Dee in Ashton.  Mike enjoyed being a prankster and pranked Diana several times throughout their marriage.  Later Mike started trucking on his own hauling grain and livestock for area farmers and Klinginsmith Express.  He also did long distance trucking from coast to coast.  He knew where the best BBQ Restaurants were in every state.  Mike helped out where he could; he helped move the AA Building into town and several buildings in for the Historical Society to the present site.

In his younger years, Mike & Diana enjoyed traveling, (especially on motorcycles through South Dakota).  Mike enjoyed tractor pulls, his horses, “King and Chas,” He loved playing blackjack and watching westerns & the military channel. He also loved playing the Lander’s Family Christmas White Elephant game which he would sneak mountain oysters into the men’s gift much to Diana’s dismay (but the guys loved it).  He enjoyed hosting various friends that came to hunt in the Howard County area over the years. Mike loved to take his mother Vangie out for breakfast at the Danish Baker in Dannebrog and the Sweet Shoppe in St. Paul.  He also enjoyed visiting with his trucking friends.  Mike was a kind and gentle man who loved farming, trucking, his family and friends, but most of all, his grandchildren who called him “Papa.”  They were his pride and joy – it was always a competition to see who could hold the grand-babies first.  He was an avid hunter and loved fishing.  He enjoyed teaching his grandchildren how to hunt and target shoot. Ten children got to call him “God Father”.  He teased and spoiled his special niece, Jessica Rasmussen. Mike was especially proud of his grandson, Blake for graduating from Advanced Individual Training & Army Basic Combat Training (due to Covid 19, he was unable to attend).  He had a love for food and enjoyed cooking breakfast for his mother and mother-in-law.  One of his favorite desserts was his aunt Betty’s apple pie.  After he returned home from his hospital stay, Mike & Diana created a quick bucket list.  He was determined to leave lasting memories for his family, especially his grandkids!

He was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and a Young Farmers Group. 

Mike is survived by his wife, Diana; son, Michael Markvicka; daughter & son-in-law, Jennifer & Dustin Green; grandchildren, Blake, Brandon, Jace, & Jax Green; bonus grandson, Tyler Green; mother, Vangie Obermiller; brothers & sister-in-law, Tim Markvicka & Mark & Sandy Markvicka; sisters & brother-in-law, Diane & Dick Reed & Julie Rasmussen; mother-in-law, Beverly Landers; brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law, Bruce & Ginny Landers, Ava & Matt Bratten, Kim Landers, Leonard & Vicki Landers, Becky Hightower; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces & great-nephews; and his 2 loyal four-legged friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Earl Markvicka; stepfather, Gailord Obermiller; uncle, Melvin Markvicka, nephew, Kenny Markvicka; father-in-law, LeRoy Landers.

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