Dennis Daniel Markeson

Dennis Daniel Markeson, 72, of Kirksville passed away Thursday, March 3 ^rd in the comfort of his home surrounded by loved ones.  Dennis was born February 28 ^th , 1950 in Ashland, Wisconsin, the son of Dan and Theresa (Phillips) Markeson.

Dennis graduated from Ashland High School in 1968 and soon thereafter attended culinary school in Ironwood, Michigan.   After culinary school he began a 43-year career in the food service industry before retiring in 2012.   Early on in his career while on a coffee break in Alva, Oklahoma, Dennis married the love of his life Lynnette (Miller) Markeson September 18, 1978.  Dennis and Lynnette, who he affectionately referred to as “Frog” remained happily married until his passing.

Lynnette surprised Dennis on his 40 ^th birthday with a gift that would forever change their lives:  a family membership to the Kirksville Country Club (KCC).  KCC was like a 2 ^nd home for the Markesons and eventually became home when they built a house in 2005 over-looking the 13 ^th hole.   Dennis was an avid golfer (not necessarily a good golfer) but truly an avid golfer and perhaps the luckiest golfer to grace the grounds of KCC.  He recorded an amazing 8 hole in ones within his golf career—all with woods!   His favorite times on the golf course included Thursday afternoons with the guys and couples golf with his best friend Lynnette.  They were a Friday night staple and people could hear Dennis doing the “dance of joy” following a long birdie putt.  When not on the golf course, he could be found enjoying a cold beer with friends over a game of gin.

Dennis had many loves aside from his friends, golf, cold beer, and cards:  Those included hunting, cribbage, dancing, grilling, entertaining, mowing, fishing with his grandkids, winters in Ft. Meyers and of course the Green Bay Packers.   Dennis bled Green and Gold as everyone knew.   His greatest love was undoubtedly his family.  He lit up when family would visit.  Each year Christmas Eve would kick off with the entire family singing “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” while he videotaped.    Visits would always begin and end with a big hug from Dennis.

Dennis was a lot of things to a lot of people:  Husband, son, father, brother, grandpa, uncle and friend to name a few. A granddaughter summed him up with one word “loyal”. That was Dennis.   Anyone that knew him would agree as he was quick to lend a helping hand to friends, neighbors, and family.  Dennis always made time for others.   He will be deeply missed by family and friends.

Dennis was a member of the Country Club, Kiwanis Club, and Shrine Club in Kirksville.  He also served as the financial advisor to the Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority at Truman State University.

He is survived by wife Lynnette; his children, Chris Yates, Shorty Yates (Kathy), Tracy Daniels (Bryan); grandchildren, Ashley (Gian), Amber, Madesonne, Mychaela, Devin, and DeLaney; 5 great grandchildren; Alexis, Alexander, Jaxon, Aiden and Allie.  Siblings;  Sharlyne Agostine, Pat (Jerry) Kastern, and Don Markeson (friend-Jamie).

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, a brother-in law, a sister-in-law, and a nephew.

The visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 8th, 2022 with a Memorial service at 2:00 p.m. at Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Hospice of Northeast Missouri or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Arrangements in the care of Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home; www.davisplaylehudsonrimer.com .