Jean Markel

Rowena Jean Markel, 78, of St. Thomas, ND passed away Saturday, February 18, 2023, at Pembina County Memorial Hospital. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Askew Funeral Home in Cavalier, ND. Visitation will be held one hour before the time of the service at the funeral home.

Jean (Skaro) Markel was born January 17, 1945 in Osnabrock, ND, the adopted daughter of Martin and Rowena Skaro. She grew up in Inkster, ND where she attended school. On September 3, 1963, she married Albert Markel in Hoople, ND. After their marriage, Albert and Jean lived and farmed in the St. Thomas area.

Jean worked at Wedgewood Manor, Pembina County Memorial Hospital, and Motor Coach Industries throughout the years. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, sewing, and playing Skip-Bo and volunteering with the Hoople Ambulance for many years. She was very active within the Hoople Methodist Church and her birthday club. Her grandchildren were her greatest joy.

Jean is survived by her husband, Albert; sons, Chad Markel of Crystal, ND, Andy Markel and Douglas Markel, both of St. Thomas, ND; grandchildren, Sheiana and Tayden; siblings, Betty Riske, of Bismarck, ND, and Donna Slotto, of Cavalier, ND; half-sister, Debbie Knutson; half-brothers, Loren and Larry Erickson; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Thomas, Harvey, Kenny, Floyd, and Ronald; sisters, Dorothy, Ellen, Joyce, and Roberta; half-brother, Gary Erickson, and birth mother, Alice.