Barbara S. Marquardt

1921 - 2017

Barbara S Marquardt

Barb Marquardt, artist extraordinaire, business woman, wife and mother, passed away on the morning of July 12, 2017 at Brookdale Memory Care in Fort Collins. Barb was 95 years old. Barb was born in In Pittsburgh, PA on October 31, 1921 to Oscar and Leah Schucker. When she was a young girl, the family moved back to Mt. Carmel, Illinois where her father owned and operated the local flour mill. Barb showed an early talent for art as evidenced by beautiful drawings she made in her teens. She studied design at the Art Institute in Chicago and received a BFA from the University of Illinois. In 1974, at the age of 53, Barb earned a Masters Degree in Fine Art from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. Barb appreciated all good art, and loved going to art galleries around the U.S. and Europe. She owned and operated the Cauldron Art Gallery and Frame Shop in Fort Collins from 1979 to 1987. Barb's passion was abstract expressionism, but she also painted many beautiful objective paintings. Numerous Marquardt paintings are treasured by private collectors through the country, and she has been awarded many prizes in regional and national art shows. Some say Barb's finest period was in her 70's when she produced her most striking and memorable works of art; a testament to the fact that age is no barrier. She taught art classes for more than 50 years, finally retiring from teaching after a stroke at age 91. Barb had the joy of teaching painting to all three of her children, and many of her students have gone on to have successful careers as professional artists. While employed in a summer job in Charlevoix, Michigan, Barbara met William "Bill" Marquardt, III who was also working in Charlevoix. They had a wonderful summer together and were married the following summer on June 19th, 1948 in Mt. Carmel, Illinois. While Bill was completing his doctorate at University of Illinois, Barb and Bill had three children: Kay, Bill, and Joan. Bill's first job following completion of his doctorate was at Montana State University in Bozeman, and the family followed him there and stayed for six years. While in Bozeman, Barb became an accomplished skier. Barb and Bill have lived in Fort Collins since 1966. Barbara left her family, friends, and collectors an incredible legacy of oil paintings. Her children in particular cherish her beautiful paintings they see on the walls of their homes everyday and marvel at the brush strokes made by her hand. Her creativity, skill, and humor shine through her paintings and will always be remembered and missed by all who knew her. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Russell Schucker and Jim Schucker. She is survived by daughters Kay Marquardt (Jim Burrell), and Joan Pluess; son Bill Marquardt (Judy Heiderscheidt); grandchildren Siobhan Lucero (Jason), Chloe Walker, Alec Walker, and Tessa Marquardt-Burrell. Please go to www.VesseyFuneralService.com to share memories, leave condolences, and view a photo of Barb with her extraordinary elephant painting.