David "Bird" Markus

David (Dave) A. Markus, Sr. of Marion, OH, beloved husband of Connie Markus, went to be with his heavenly father on January 13, 2026, after battling kidney cancer. He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Markus and stepson, Paul McKenzie.

Dave was born October 8, 1965, in St. Paul, MN where he spent his early years growing up in Centerville, MN. His family moved to Marion, OH in 1982 where he graduated from Marion Harding High School, Class of 1984. He spent the next 41 years working at Nucor Steel (previously Marion Steel) where he made many friends who became family where he was known as ‘Big Bird.’ 

Dave married Connie on July 13th, 2000, and together they blended their family of 7 children. Dave is survived by his wife, Connie, of 25 years, and their children, David Jr., Trisha, Alicia (Johnny), Angie, Sabrina (Mike), and Nickell (Tim). He is also survived by his father, John Markus, four siblings, JoAnne Ruhter (Randy), John (Sharee), Jeffrey (Tonya), and Shawn (Tina), 15 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, friends and extended family.

Dave was an AMAZING man. He loved his wife Connie and the 36 years they spent together and was a great dad to his children. Dave and Connie enjoyed evening rides on the Harley and stopping at hole-in-the-wall restaurants. They were passionate about rescuing dogs and giving them unconditional love. They also enjoyed trips to the casino. He and his grandson Kalabe would often joke that they found some money stashed in the wall and they were going to the casino without her. The last 6 months of his life he was extremely excited to welcome his granddaughter, Kaylee’s, twin girls Penelope and Piper; he lit up when he got to see them. He also loved talking crap with his grandson Chase about their NFL teams (Vikings Vs. Colts). When he got the chance, he loved to ride his motorcycle down to the Carolinas to visit his daughter Trish. Dave was also passionate about coffee, creamer and cigarettes – he always had a coffee in one hand and a cigarette in the other.

Daves’ family wanted everyone to know that he was so, strong and brave through his journey and kept his hope and loved making jokes until he was no longer able to. He was never alone one day though his journey and was beyond loved. Dave was a blessed man and those that knew him were blessed to have his friendship. Dave has his mother and the numerous dogs he rescued over the years waiting for him on the other side. Although painful it was beautiful. It was all of our honor to see him through this. “We Love you.”

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in his name to the Marion Area Humane Society, 2264 Richland Rd, Marion, OH 43302.

The family would like to thank Tranquility Hospice for compassionately assisting the family with caring for Dave during his final days.

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