David William Markowich was born at home in Milwaukee, WI, on January 26, 1937, and died peacefully at home in Columbus, OH on July 5, 2024, surrounded and supported by family members and friends.
In Milwaukee, his family suffered the tragic loss of his 2 year-old sister, Jackie, which he mourned throughout his life. They moved to Los Angeles, and then to Burbank, CA when Dave was in grade school. There, he came to know God’s Immense Love for all people, as he spent time at Camp Yolijwa (Youth Living Jesus’ Way), and in Lutheran congregations. The family later moved to Livonia, MI, where they joined a Lutheran church. Dave felt called to share God’s Grace and Love with others as a pastor of the E.L.C.A., graduating from Wittenberg College and The Chicago Lutheran Seminary. He served churches in Detroit (Reformation) and Flint ((Holy Trinity), where he was active in the Civil Rights movement. In Oxford, OH, he served as parish and campus pastor (Faith Lutheran), then pastored a church in Columbus, Ohio (Holy Trinity). While in Columbus, he completed his Doctor of Ministry degree. Dave touched many lives, leading with compassion and preaching with vulnerability, making God’s word relevant for today, and calling listeners, through his words and deeds, “to do justice and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). “We are family” was a persistent theme, as impressed upon him by his father. And for Dave, “family” included all human beings; and he had a warm place in his heart for our animal companions, too. Upon retiring as a parish pastor, he worked as a hospital chaplain, supporting patients and staff at The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center. During his 38 years of parish ministry, he served on several boards, including Lutheran Social Services, Wittenberg University and the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. He helped support and guide many pastoral candidates as a member of the Professional Leadership Unit of the Ohio Synod. He also loved camping with family and friends, playing bridge, handball and tennis, and traveling near and far. Dave took special delight in his beloved grandchildren!
Dave was married to the devoted, caring and courageous love-of-his-life, Marge for 65 years. They have 3 children, Deborah (David), Philip (late Melanie) and Susan (Tom). He leaves behind siblings Jerry (Mary) and Mary, and was predeceased by Harry (Sue) and Jackie. Ten grandchildren will miss him dearly: Addie, Gavin (Julie), Micah (Brianna), Andrew (Katie), Noah (Brittany), Hannah (Nic), Daniel (Shelby), Adam (Eliah), Amy and Steven. Dave was blessed with two great-grandsons, Coda and David. The family deeply grieves the losses of grandson, Jacob, last year, and Phil’s wife, Melanie, this year.
The family is grateful for the support of National Church Residences Hospice, as well as the caring aides from Compassionate Caregivers, during the last months of his life.
David’s life will be celebrated at a service on Sunday, July 21st at 4 p.m., preceded by calling hours from 2-4, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 2001 Northwest Blvd., Columbus, OH 43212. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, the Alzheimers Association, or Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.