Richard (Rich, Richie) Charles Markowski peacefully entered heaven on Friday, September 4, 2026. He lived life to the fullest and used up everything his body had to give during his time here on earth.
He was born the oldest son of Leonard and Nina (Jannusch) Markowski on August 27, 1942. Growing up in a multigenerational home with his grandparents, Charles (Charlie) and Rose (Hopp) Markowski, Rich acquired a unique Polish accent and dialect that became who he was and remained with him throughout his life.
He attended Berlin Schools and graduated from Berlin High School with the Class of 1960.
He embraced childhood on the family farm, where he developed a lifelong love of the outdoors, especially hunting. His proudest hunting story came from 1965 when he shot a trophy buck at an impressive 540 yards—a story certainly worth telling more than once. His passion for hunting was something he proudly passed down to his children and grandchildren, creating a tradition that brought generations of the family together and will continue for years to come.
He was united in marriage to Barbara Jean Ashley on January 28, 1967, at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Berlin, Wisconsin.
Early in their marriage, Rich and Barb purchased the farm that would become their forever home and the beginning of a family legacy that will live on.
He worked full time on the road, but when the work week was done, he came home to the farm. There, he could be found in his striped overalls, a hankie hanging out of his pocket, yellow and red farm gloves covering his hands driving to the feed mill in the truck with a hole in the floor.
Rich and Barb's home became much more than a farm. It was a gathering place for family and friends, with card games, old country music playing on the record player, stories, a few beverages and the kind of laughter that brought tears to your eyes. It was also headquarters for many a mock-wedding practice where Rich fittingly took on the role of preacher.
Rich was a proud 50 plus- year- member of Operating Engineers Local 139. Throughout his career he worked for many companies including Kramp, Washkoviak, Gillen and Nelson. His work took him throughout the area, and whenever Barb would ask if they were lost, Rich had a ready answer “Woman, I know where we’re going. I built this road.”
Rich was a social man who seemed to know someone everywhere he went. He enjoyed frequenting local establishments, bartending from time to time and, of course, telling stories with his unmistakable sense of humor.
Together with his friend, Donnie Wegenke, Rich built M&W Eliminator and traveled throughout the state of Wisconsin with their families and friends promoting mini rod pulling. Those years brought countless memories and friendships. It was often said that Rich could walk into a bar in just about any town in Wisconsin and know someone there.
Rich was a lifetime member of the Berlin Bugle Mouth Bass Association and especially enjoyed the annual fishing tournament. Though others might have been focused on the fish, Rich was perfectly at home behind the bar, pouring beer, swapping stories and enjoying the company around him.
Rich and Barb were also members of the Berlin River Riders Snowmobile Club, although, in true Rich fashion, they never actually owned a snowmobile. Rich was a key figure behind the club’s annual truck and tractor pull, where he spent countless hours preparing and maintaining the track. It was another place where Rich’s experience with heavy equipment, willingness to lend a hand and love of being part of the action came together.
Rich also gave back to the community he called home. He served as an usher at St. Micheal’s Catholic Church and Chairman of the Board for the Town of Warren.
With the arrival of every grandchild and great-grandchild Rich had the joy of welcoming them with his familiar “toes, toes and a nose.” As they grew, he entertained them by clicking his teeth and asking, “Hey old timer, can you wink?” Those little sayings, gestures and moments became a part of the language of their family and will undoubtedly be repeated for generations. We hope he knew, and continues to know, just how deeply he was loved.
He is survived by his children, Scott (Cheryl) Markowski, Monica (Mark) Keelor, Richard Markowski, and Michael (Tina) Markowski; his grandchildren, Alyssa (Mike) Doro, Andrea (Bruce) Raub, Anessa (Trevinn) Hare, Jade (Derek) Reihart, Cassie (Mike) Johnson, Hannah (Corey Hassevoort) Markowski, Wyatt (Jackie Franke) Markowski, and Owen Markowski; and his great-grandchildren, Hayden Raub, Adalyn Doro, Landyn Doro, Jack Doro, Layla Hare, Logan Johnson, William Johnson, Autumn Reihart, Gavin Charles Reihart, Dawson Hassevoort and Lenni Hassevoort.
He is further survived by siblings, Donald Markowski and Thomas (Connie) Markowski; his sisters-in-law Patricia Ashley, Kathleen (Russ) Thom, Janice Miller, brother-in-law Jerry Ashley along with countless nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara on February 26, 2026; parents, Leonard and Nina Markowski; infant brother, James; mother-in-law, Kathleen Wellner; stepfather-in-law, Art Wellner; father-in-law, Blaine Ashley; and great-grandson, Leo Michael Johnson.
Thank you to Waushara County EMS and ThedaCare Berlin for their compassionate care. A heartfelt thank you to the staff at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center, Appleton, for their excellent care of both Richie and his family during his short time there.
Private inurnment will be held.
Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026 beginning at 11:30 am with luncheon at 1 pm at Mastricola’s on Broadway, Berlin.
Memorials can be directed to Berlin Bugle Mouth Bass Association in memory of Rich.
For more information and to view a tribute video please refer to wieckiskipchakfuneralhome.com
Wiecki-Skipchak Funeral Home
116. S. Adams Ave
Berlin, WI 54923
(920) 361-2050
