Sylvia M. Markgraf

Obituary

Sylvia Mae (Klabunde) Markgraf was born on April 7, 1928, in Irvington, Nebraska. She was the daughter of Otto Herman Christian and Minnie Dorothea (Benke) Klabunde. Sylvia was baptized as an infant on May 13, 1928 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Omaha, Nebraska, and later confirmed in her faith as a youth on April 6, 1941, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Elkhorn, Nebraska, by Reverend Beckman. She received her education in Springfield and Elkhorn, Nebraska, and was a graduate of the Elkhorn High School with the Class of 1945. She was the Salutatorian of her class. Sylvia continued her education at Commercial Extension Business School in Omaha, Nebraska.

Sylvia moved from Omaha, Nebraska to Brownton, Minnesota in June of 1946. Sylvia was united in marriage to John Edward Markgraf on September 28, 1948, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Stewart, Minnesota. The couple made their home in Brownton, and then moved to Stewart in October of 1951. This marriage was blessed with three children; Lee, Joyce, and Scott. Sylvia and John shared over 54 years of marriage when John passed away on April 11, 2003.

Sylvia worked as a bookkeeper at the Omaha Creamery in Nebraska for a number of years when she was younger. After moving to Brownton in 1946, she began working at the Brownton Clinic. Following that she worked at Glencoe Butter & Produce, Pargas in Stewart, and Form-A-Feed in Stewart, for over 25 years. Sylvia was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Stewart. She was a part of the church’s Bible Study and Women’s Group. Sylvia was a member of the Stewart American Legion Auxiliary Unit #125 since 1964, and she was the President for 20 years. She also helped organize the Blood Mobile in Stewart.

Sylvia enjoyed going on bus tours, tending to her gardens, and loved having lots of flowers around. She loved to go dancing, play cards, and socialize with friends. Sylvia especially enjoyed spending time with her family and caring for her grandchildren every chance she had.

Sylvia passed away on Friday, December 27, 2024, at Glencoe Regional Health in Glencoe, at the age of 96 years.

Blessed be her memory.

Sylvia is survived by her:
Children, Lee John Markgraf and his wife, Gwen, of Stewart, MN,
Joyce Annette Markgraf of Stewart, MN;
Grandchildren, Brandon (Corrie) Markgraf, Ashlee (Rustin) Hahn, Zachary (Rachel) Markgraf, Emily (Jesse Van Nurden) Markgraf, Abby (Josh) Albrecht;
Great-Grandchildren, Katelyn Markgraf, Blair Markgraf, Kirsten Albrecht, Braeden Albrecht, Eli Albrecht, Willow Markgraf;
Brother, Arlie Klabunde of Litchfield, MN;
Sister-in-law, Jan Klabunde;
Nieces, Nephews, Other Relatives, Friends.

Sylvia is preceded in death by her Husband, John Edward Markgraf; Son, Scott Markgraf; Parents, Otto and Minnie Klabunde; Brothers, Ray (Jean) Klabunde, Delbert Klabunde; Sister, Alice (Keiffer) Paustian; Sister-in-law, Corrine Klabunde.