Ernest G. Marquardt, 65, of Superior, died Tuesday, September 17, 2019 at St. Luke's Hospice in Duluth.

Ernest was born in Aurora, IL, on June 25, 1954 the son of Gerard and Mary Marquardt. He and his wife moved their family to Iron River in 1988.

He was an auto mechanic, owning and operating auto performance shops and machine shops in Illinois and Iron River, WI. He loved working on cars and going to auto shows. He also enjoyed woodworking, crossword puzzles and Homesteading. His favorite thing was being surrounded by family, and he loved holidays spent with everyone together.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Ernest is survived by his wife of 43 years, Traci; children, Ben Marquardt of Superior, Becca (Travis) Wachsmuth of Superior, Jessie Marquardt of Superior and Ernest (Shantae) Marquardt of Iron River; grandchildren, Ernie and Maliki; sisters, Mary Lynda (Glenn) Richter of Aurora, and Agnes (Gerald) Froemel of Channahon, IL; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be on Friday, Sept. 20 from 1:00 p.m. until the 2:00 p.m. funeral service at Downs Funeral Home, 1617 N 19 ^th St. Rev. Fr. Andrew Ricci will officiate.

If desired, memorials in Ernest's name may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.