Conrad Markley

Conrad Leroy Markley, 93, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, with family by his side. He was born October 4,1931 on Hawkins Creek in Richland County, WI, on the family farm to Conrad and Dorothea (Hardy) Markley.

Conrad met the love of his life Genevieve (Genny), at a roller rink in Madison, WI. She was 17, he was 18. They kept in touch during the time he was overseas in the US Army and resumed their courtship upon his return. They married on June 19,1954 in Reedsburg WI. Together they raised three children.

Conrad loved to travel, he traveled extensively throughout the continental USA and Alaska, and western Provinces of Canada. He also loved and was fond of the north woods and built a cabin with his family on a beautiful 40 acres in Bayfield County. Conrad and his family had many fun times up North. He instilled his love of the outdoors and travel to his children and grandchildren.  

Conrad was a US Army veteran and was stationed on the island of Okinawa for 2 years during the Korean Conflict, where he was assigned to the mechanical division performing plumbing and electrical lineman work. Conrad was a Relief Engineer at Oscar Mayer in Madison where he devoted over 37 years.  He could run the Power Plant single-handedly with his team, responding to electrical power outages, refrigeration ammonia leaks, and all kinds of emergencies.  He was also a Union Steward for most of those years.

Conrad was a very capable and handy man who could fix anything. The old adage was true..."if Conrad couldn't fix it.... nobody could.” He helped his children and grandchildren renovate their houses, from the roofs to the basements, from the plumbing to the electricity.  

Conrad was a man of integrity, a rare trait these days. He lived his values and was a man of his word. Although he grew up poor, losing his own father at six years old from Scarlet Fever, Conrad was a generous and giving man.  He would freely give of his time, his money, and lend a hand to those in need. To his children he was a mountain of strength, and the best role model there could be.  

Conrad will be greatly missed by all who knew him, for the person he was, his kindness, his wonderful storytelling, and the compassionate way he cared for his wife's and brother's health issues during their ailing years.  

Dad, we love you and our heart breaks knowing we can no longer call you and ask for your advice on how to fix something, or how to proceed with some challenges ahead. But we know you are now with our mom, your parents, brothers and sister, and all of your friends that have gone before you. We will feel your spirit most when we are walking in a forest, resting on a hilltop, or a mountain peak. You taught us to love the outdoors, and there we will feel your presence.

Conrad is survived by his three children, Sheri (Ken) Berg of Watertown, Steven (Holly) Markley of Waunakee, Connie (Paul) Starch of Cedarburg; six grandchildren, Sara (Ryan) Capadona of Sun Prairie, Lucas (Suzy) Starch of West Bend, Ben (Jen) Markley of Lodi, Andrew (Brittany) Starch of Oconomowoc, Chelsey Berg of Santiago, Chile, Jenny Berg of Oconomowoc; nine great grandchildren, Gianna and Cashton Capadona, Jacqueline, Charlotte, Levi Starch, Wyatt and Chase Starch, Lilliana, and Briggston Markley; and anther great grandson on the way; a sister-in-law, Agnes Laufenberg; nieces, nephews, many dear friends and neighbors at Westshire Village Condos, in Westport.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Genevieve on February 6, 2022; his parents; siblings, Darlene (Neefe), Gene Markley, Homer (Butch) Frye Jr.; and stepsister Barbara Frye.  

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at the VA Hospital, Agrace Hospice, Hy for her massage therapy at the drop of a hat, Donna, Lydia and Reni for their sensitive and kind care of Dad. Sue for her prompt nursing skills whenever Dad called, Jim and Stu for their weekly lunch outings, and so many others, too numerous to mention - THANK YOU!

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at St. Peter Catholic Church, 5001 N Sherman Ave, Madison, WI. Visitation from 9:30 A.M. until the time of service at church with a luncheon to follow. Interment will be held at St. John Cemetery.

 In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The VA Honor Flight Donate - Honor Flight Network or to Agrace HospiceCare Donate Today | Support Agrace | Donate in Memory of a Loved One

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N Sherman Ave

608-249-8257