Rue Dee Marker

Rue Dee marker, of Mesa, Arizona, previously from Bremen, passed away Friday, February 29, 2008, at 8:20AM at the Banner Baywood Hospital. He was 71.

He was born on June 13, 1936, to Violet Shaffer and Rudolph Marker in Wakarusa. Deedle, as his childhood friends knew him, attended Madison Schools. He had the St. Joe County Grand Champion 4-H Steer in 1950 and took first place in Pheasants in 1952. He also played basketball for Madison, under his father, and was on the 1953 County Championship team.

Rue Dee graduated with a B.A. in Physical Education from Indiana University in 1959. He was a member of the Lamda Chi Alpha Fraternity there. After graduation, he taught math and coached basketball at Ligonier Schools. That is where he met his wife, Judy Wade. They were married on December 16, 1961, in Wakarusa. They later moved to Bremen where he taught math while earning his Master's Degree in Elementary Education and Administration at Ball State University.

In 1967, Rue was appointed the Middle School Principal at Bremen. During his 13 years as principal, he also negotiated teacher salaries, was the Treasurer for the Board of Directors of IN Association of Elementary Principals, wrote and administered several OSHIA programs, was the President of the Bremen Parks Board of Directors, President of the Town Board, and served as Commissioner of Police.

In 1974, Rue Dee and Judy opened Ju-Dee-Kay's Hummel Figurines. They traveled to Germany to obtain the figurines and import them. They became the world's largest dealer of Hummels. Rue was also known as one of the leading experts on Hummels and was a consultant for the manufacturer, the Goebel Company. He organize several international conventions, advised many researchers and authors and was fortunate to own and sell many rare and one of a kind pieces.

In 1983, he retired from Bremen Public Schools and moved to Sierra Vista, Arizona, with his wife. There, they opened The Sideboard, a specialty china and crystal store. As much as they loved Arizona, Bremen was always home to them and they moved back in 1991.

While retired, Rue Dee still instructed Driver Training Clases and taught G.E.D. at night. He loved young people and was the happiest when he was helping others. One of his most memorable committees was the United Way of Marshall County, where he served from 1993-1999, serving as Chairman in 1995-1996. In 1999, he was appointed to the Christmas in April Board of Marshall County.

Mr. Marker also served as the head of the accounting department at Bremtown Kitchens for a short time. Then, in 1998, he was appointed Clerk-Treasurer for the Town of Bremen. He enjoyed his position until 2000. Shortly after the passing of his wife, he moved back to Arizona where he continued to deal in Hummel figurines and collectibles.

Rue Due is survived by his daughter, Kimberly Taylor of Wakarusa, two grandchildren, Ambria and Maliq Taylor of Wakarusa, a niece, Elizabeth (Mike) Getz-Capron of Bremen and a nephew, Stephen Getz of Bremen. He also leaves behind his good friend, Theresa Durham and loving Shih Tzu, Princess.

A memorial service is being held at the Bremen K-8 School Gymnasium, 700 W. South Street, Bremen, on Saturday, March 15, 2008. There will be a visitation at 1:00PM, with the service beginning at 2:00PM. There will be another hour of visitation after the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Rue Dee Marker Scholarship Fund at Bremen High School. Donations can be sent to The Marshall County Community Foundation, PO Box 716, Plymouth, IN 46563.