Jack Markle
Obituary
Jack Markle passed away March 19, 2025, peacefully at home in Hollister, CA.
Jack was born Jackie Lee Markle on September 6, 1937 in Summit, S. Dakota, one of 15 children of Abner and Vera Markle. He was raised in California, where he met Francene Silver in junior high school. They married February 1, 1958. Together they raised three children while Jack worked as a savings and loan officer and as a real estate broker for more than 45 years.
Jack served in the US Navy 1955 - 1959.
Jack loved playing handball, working crossword puzzles, collecting coins, barbecuing, and singing. He and Fran, the love of his life, bonded throughout their marriage with shared interests. Later in life, they pursued weekend mystery trips, wine tasting, picnics, nightly candlelight dinners, listening to music and keeping current with Fox News.
The Jack Markle everyone knew was a witty man; extremely wise and always pleasantly even-tempered. He was an exceptional son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and neighbor. Jack gave of himself without hesitation, always in a generous spirit.
He deeply loved his lifelong partner and wife Fran, an unwavering devotion that would unfold over several decades.
Jack is preceded in death by his parents; most siblings; daughter Samantha O'Neil, granddaughter DeeAnna Patchell, and grandson JW Patchell.
Survivors include wife Francene; son Greg; daughter Cindy and her husband Steve Dedini; sister Linda McDaniel; son-in-law Dan O'Neil; grandson Kody (Sam) O'Neil and granddaughter Kelsey O'Neil; and great-grandchildren Jameson, Dimitri, Lucielle, and Benjamin.
Jack's life will be celebrated at Black-Cooper-Sander Chapel, 363 7th St, Hollister, CA 95023, Friday, May 16, 2025 at 1pm; then a private family gathering will follow.
Published in Hollister Free Lance · May 7, 2025