Marion Delores Berquam, 89, of Hamilton, passed away surrounded by loved ones at
her home Tuesday evening, July 28, 2026.
Marion was born July 13, 1937, the daughter of Bernard and Veronica (Mondry) Wirkus
in Webster, South Dakota. She graduated from Roslyn High School in Roslyn, South
Dakota. She moved to Minnesota and met Gerhard “Ole” Berquam at a dance hall.
They danced their way to getting married on May 16, 1959, in St. Paul, Minnesota. The
family lived in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota for many years before moving to
Hamilton, Illinois in 1978. Marion had worked for Methode Electronics in Carthage for
over twenty years. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hamilton and
regularly recited the rosary before Mass. She enjoyed bingo and playing cards,
especially euchre. She also loved shopping and rescuing animals. Her greatest love
and joy, however, came from spending time with her rambunctious family. They have
always been the center of her life.
Together, Marion and Gerhard raised a large and loving family. Surviving Marion are
her caring husband of 67 years, Gerhard, of Hamilton; and children, Lori (Karen
Patterson) Berquam of Madison, Wisconsin, LeeAnn (Brian) McLaughlin of Paris,
Missouri, Bruce Berquam of Hamilton, Kelly (Scott) Hall of Warsaw, Gary (Candy)
Berquam of Hamilton and Melani (Tim) Heavin of Hamilton; grandchildren, Kevin
McLaughlin, Krissy (Scott) Schulze, Kelly (Danielle) McLaughlin, Kyle (Melinda)
McLaughlin, Kayla (Justin) Lowe, Kaci (Sarah Parker) McLaughlin, Kraig McLaughlin
and Kyndal McLaughlin, Ryan (Brianne) Stephenson, Travis (Kara) Stephenson, Elija
(Abigail) Stephenson, Hannah (Mallory Novack) Hall, Emma (Xavier Hutchcroft) Hall,
Allison (Josh) Roberts, McKenzie Berquam, Austin Berquam, Justus Berquam, Joel
(Taylor) Heavin, Jessica (Trevor) Roth and Jordan (Daniel) Leroy; thirty one great-
grandchildren and one soon-to-be born great-great granddaughter. She also leaves
behind numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends who all had an impact on her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents; children, Craig Berquam and Kevin
Berquam; a brother, Raymond Wirkus and a sister, Marcella Grajczyk.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 2nd, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Printy Funeral
Home in Hamilton with a rosary service starting at 7:00 PM. Funeral services will be
held at 11:00 AM on Monday, August 3rd, 2026, at Printy Funeral Home in Hamilton. In
lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Holy Archangels Parish of Hancock
County or the Hearts of Hancock Humane Society.
Printy Funeral Home of Hamilton is in charge of arrangements.