LaMar J. Marquardt

LaMar J. Marquardt, age 90, of Watertown, SD, passed away on Sunday, December 28, 2025, in Watertown, SD. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Cornerstone Church in Watertown, SD. The funeral service will be live-streamed and recorded via Cornerstone Church website.

Visitation will be at the Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown on Thursday, January 1, 2026, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. and prior to services at the church on Friday.

Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Watertown. Military graveside honors will be conducted by Codington County Post #17 of the American Legion, Watertown, and the Funeral Honors Team of the U.S. Navy. Active pallbearers will be Abby Marquardt, Annie Marquardt, Bruce Jacobson, Brent Jacobson, Evan Thorson, and Landan Thorson. Honorary pallbearers will be the Mountain Takers Ministry Group at Cornerstone Church and Isaac Thorson, Chase Thorson, Sean Thorson, Brooke Hoff, and Elise Thorson.

LaMar was born on December 25, 1935, in Watertown, South Dakota, to Gustave and Theresa (Ronke) Marquardt. LaMar spent his childhood years on the family farm near Florence, South Dakota, where he developed a strong work ethic and a lifelong love for the outdoors. He was a graduate of Watertown High School, Class of 1953.

Following high school, LaMar worked on the family farm before proudly serving four years in the United States Navy. His service included time aboard the USS Princeton, an aircraft carrier based out of San Diego, where he gained valuable skills in electronics repair. After his honorable discharge, he worked for Sears for ten years as a television and appliance repair technician, spending many hours on the road helping customers. He later was self-employed, worked for Cook's in Watertown servicing computers, and briefly for Ultra Systems.

In 1981, LaMar joined the Western Area Power Administration, where he served in several roles including Electronics Equipment Mechanic and Electronics Equipment Craftsman until his retirement in 2008. Never one to slow down, he "failed retirement" twice and continued working part-time at Hy-Vee and Print 'Em Now well into his 80s.

On September 9, 1972, LaMar married Sharon Mallgren in Florence, South Dakota. Together they built a home off Sioux Conifer Road and created many treasured family memories, including annual weeks spent fishing at Hartford Beach Resort on Big Stone Lake. Sharon preceded him in death in August 2005. On July 1, 2008, he married Dee Thorson in Watertown, South Dakota.

LaMar was known for his remarkable ability to fix nearly anything, often leaving things better than he found them, and for generously sharing his skills with family, friends, and especially elderly loved ones. His greatest joy came from supporting his grandchildren, faithfully attending their games, competitions, concerts, and special events. A man of deep faith, LaMar was a devoted member of Cornerstone Church (formerly 9th Avenue United Methodist Church) for more than 35 years and served as an active Boy Scout leader throughout his son Scott's journey to Eagle Scout.

LaMar is survived by his wife, Dee Thorson of Watertown; his son, Scott Marquardt (Amber) of Montevideo, Minnesota; his grandchildren, Abby Marquardt of Fort Pierre, South Dakota, and Annie Marquardt, a nursing student at South Dakota State University; three stepsons, Ryan Thorson, of Florence, Dan Thorson (Rachelle), and Matt Thorson (Kim), of Watertown; several step-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gustave and Theresa Marquardt; his siblings, Avanell Jacobson, Lavern Marquardt, and Lavonne "Bonnie" Robbins; and his wife, Sharon Marquardt.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be directed to The Village at Harmony Hill.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown and Hayti