William Joseph Markert Jr., age 48, of River Falls, Wisconsin, passed away accidentally on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at his residence. Bill was born on September 29, 1975, at Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina, Minnesota, the son of William Joseph Sr. and Margaret Sue (Mullen) Markert. Raised in Lakeville, Minnesota, Bill graduated from Lakeville High School in the class of 1994. Furthering his education at Marquette University, he earned a degree in Biomedical Engineering. At Marquette, Bill was a proud member of their elite Cheer Squad and later joined the Minnesota Timberwolves Cheer Team. He then enlisted in the army reserves as well as pursuing his Law Degree which he started at John Marshall Law School in Chicago. Called to active duty during the Iraq War, Bill served as an Intelligence Analyst. Upon an honorable discharge, he completed his education journey at William Mitchell College of Law. Prior to heading to Iraq, he married Sarah Anne Teresinski in Las Vegas, and together they were blessed with three beautiful children: William III, Anne, and Kate. Bill worked as an attorney for Fluegel Law firm in Hastings as a prosecutor, for Gerlach Law in Hastings as a defense attorney and later for his own practice, Markert Law. He closed his practice during the COVID pandemic which allowed him invaluable time with his family before joining Collins Aerospace, specializing in contract negotiation.

Family was paramount to Bill. He adored his wife Sarah and relished every moment with his family. Bill actively supported his children in Boy Scouts, music and theatre, gymnastics, volleyball, cross country, and swimming. He was a very patient teacher and took pride in imparting life lessons. Bill’s favorite hobby was woodworking in his basement workshop, creating beautiful furniture and keepsakes for his family. Raised with a strong faith, he was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, serving as an usher and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Bill is survived by his best friend and wife Sarah, children Will, Anne, Kate, parents William Sr. and Marge Markert of Hastings, sister Suzi (Denny Smith) Robole of Prescott, parents-in-law David and Jane Teresinski of Waupun, WI, and sisters-in-law Jenny (Steve) Lois of Wautoma, WI, Nicole (Nich) Spang of Edgerton, WI. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews Jared, Gabrielle, Ryan, Mychala, Nick, Jillian, Alexis, Isabelle, and Grant.

A Mass of Christian Burial for William ‘Bill’ Markert Jr. will take place at 12:00pm on Friday, February 2nd, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 269 Dakota Street South in Prescott, with a visitation an hour prior to the service at the church. There is also a visitation scheduled for Thursday, February 1st, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm, with a prayer service at 7:00pm at Old Ptaceks Event Center, 1449 Orrin Road in Prescott. Interment will be private. Memorials will be used for his children’s wellbeing and school and may be mailed to the funeral home.

Funeral services are entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home 1339 Orrin Road, Prescott 54021, https://oconnellfuneralhomes.com, 715-262-5404.