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.