August 14, 1946 - May 27, 2020
Patrick Joseph Markell
Patrick died on May 27, 2020, in Methodist Hospital, St. Louis Park, Minnesota, from complications of COVID-19. Born on August 14, 1946, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Pat lived in the city all his life. He attended Michael J. Dowling School where he received an excellent education and therapy for his cerebral palsy. There he learned to swim, an activity he loved and which made trips to the Markell family’s lake cabin special.
Pat had a remarkable optimistic spirit which served him well as he dealt with his disability. This allowed him to live independently and work long enough at a laundry facility to receive a pension, of which he was very proud. Pat was known for his ability to chat and make friends with anyone; near the end of his life, his many virtual hospital visitors told lots of stories via video chat about what a character Pat was. He had a good sense of humor and was a big Minnesota Twins, Vikings, and Gophers fan.
Pat is survived by sisters Dianne DeMarco and Gini Packwood (Bill), brothers Mike (Jeanne) and Joe (Mary), and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his soulmate, Dianne Lewno; parents Sam and June Markell; and brother-in-law Dr. Lynn DeMarco.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held for Pat when it is safe to do so. Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights. Memorials are welcome to two organizations where he was proud to be employed: The Arc Minnesota (2446 University Ave W, Suite 110, St. Paul MN 55114) and Holy Rosary Church (2424 18th Ave S, Mpls MN 55404). If you choose the latter, please direct your gift in Patrick’s memory to support parishioners with disabilities. Both organizations accept donations online.
I will miss Pat and his phone calls to me, about twice a month, very much. As Dianne’s stepmother, and her only surviving parent, Pat always told me he considered me his mom, too, particularly after his own mom passed away. I used to joke with him that that was fine, except he had to remember I would’ve been one year old when I gave birth to him. I am so glad I had a chance to visit with him when I was in Minneapolis last summer. He did have a good sense of humor and I enjoyed making him laugh on our phone calls. We had hoped for him to come visit Little Rock this spring… Unfortunately, with the pandemic, that was not to be. May he rest peacefully and happily, reunited with Dianne, in the peace of our Lord.
Pat was my mother’s soulmate, they are reuniting in heaven right now, I can just hear the two of them bantering with each other and laughing once again. I’m so sorry to hear of Patrick’s passing as he was such a sweet man with so much love and humor. We loved being part of his live and appreciated he was such a loving partner to my Mom for over 25 years!