Remember Lee Markquart

Tuesday morning Lee Markquart passed away following a battle with pancreatic cancer, at age 87.   Lee was a passionate businessman and a generous community advocate.  He believed that helping the people around him would make him more successful.

Roots and Leadership
Lee got his start in the auto industry at age 12 by pumping gas at his father’s gas station in Jackson, Minnesota.  In 1946, they expanded their service and started selling Hudson cars. As time went by, Lee assumed leadership of the company and helped it grow into a successful small dealership that sold all six brands of GM vehicles.  Then, in 1970, Lee was given the opportunity to buy a Pontiac Oldsmobile Cadillac dealership in a larger market. He and his wife, Mary, packed up their children and moved to Eau Claire, Wisconsin.  The move paid off, as the Markquarts now have the two largest new car dealerships in Western Wisconsin.

The Man, The Desk, and The Eagle
Many of those who grew up in the Chippewa Valley will remember Lee’s TV commercials.   His style stood out as very different from other dealers.  He spoke less about cars and prices, and more about the importance of treating the customer well.  His radio ads often featured unusual or humorous things that happened in the news and famous quotes.  These commercials seemed to make a lasting impact which helped grow the Markquart brand into what it is today.

Community Involvement
Lee and his wife Mary were largely responsible for bringing the Boys and Girls Club to Eau Claire.  Over the years Lee poured his heart and soul into ensuring the Boys and Girls club would remain a place to take care of our community youth.   Lee also was involved in the Society of Founders at the Eau Claire Community Foundation and the WATDA Foundation scholarship, which distributed millions of dollars in scholarships to students pursuing careers in the automotive industry.

Lee’s optimism, integrity, and passion will forever be the foundation of the Markquart companies.  We will always remember Lee and will honor his memory by continuing his legacy

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