V. Steven Markstrom

Madison - V. Steven Markstrom, age 85, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 8, 2011. He was born on May 23, 1925, in Rhinelander, WI. the son of Vern S. and Beatrice A. (Barager) Markstrom.
In High School Steve was a popular drummer. He formed his own dance band traveling around the state.
Later he chose a career in communications, beginning as a radio announcer in Merrill, Wisconsin at WLIN. There he married Delores Rakow, the love of his life. They then moved to Madison where they raised their family.
Steve began his career joining the University of Wisconsin where he worked at WHA-TV. Over the years he moved through the ranks until he was General Manager of WHA-TV. He then became an assistant to the Dean of Educational Communications and later became the Director of the UW Photo Media Center.
Steve was preceded in death by his beloved wife Delores in 2006. Also preceding him were his parents, his son-in-law Robert DiSantis, his sister Sally Sprecher, and brother Barry Markstrom.
He is survived by his two daughters, Harriet (Dan) Nelson and Kathy DiSantis of Madison; four grandchildren, Lisa (Tom) Mertins, Daniel (Sharel) Nelson of Madison, David (Maggie) Nelson of Cedarburg, Bernie (Kim) DiSantis of Arizona; and eight great grandchildren, Nichole Metko of Madison, Conrad, Riley and Clara Nelson of Madison, Anna, Teresa, Joseph and Marie Nelson of Cedarburg, a brother Phillip Markstrom, nieces and nephews.
Steve was devoted to his family and friends. Jazz was a big part of his life. He worked over the years putting together a detailed family genealogy. He loved the North woods. His heart was with the Native American Indians who he honored with great respect and with whom he felt a true spiritual connection.
In celebration of Steve, there will be a visitation at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Rd, Madison, from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, May 22, 2011.