Jeffrey (Jeff) Lawrence Markgraf, Sr., 59, of Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio went home to The Lord unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, February 22, 2024.
Jeff was born May 8, 1964, in Madison, Ohio to Lawrence Markgraf and Shirley (Montgomery) Mather and graduated from Madison High School and the Auburn Career Center. On March 15, 2003, Jeff married Valerie (Smith) Mihalick in Geneva, Ohio and together they shared more than 20 years of love and memories.
Jeff worked in various auto mechanic and maintenance positions and was known for his mechanical skills and ability to fix anything and everything. He was known for always helping family, friends, and neighbors with anything they needed. He was a member of the Madison Small Game Association and as a member and Elder of Madison Crossroads Church, he led and organized many church events, men's groups, and Bible studies. Jeff was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting, fishing, hiking through the woods, and riding his Harley-Davidson alongside his dad, son, and friends. Jeff was a devoted father and husband who cherished family gatherings and spending every moment he could with his granddaughters. Jeff and Valerie enjoyed many weekend getaways together, annual trips to Florida with best friends, and a tour of Italy. Above all else Jeff was a devoted and faithful follower of Jesus Christ. He had a gift for starting a conversation with anyone he met. His passion was sharing his rock-solid faith in the Gospel by leading, mentoring, and discipleship. He touched many people through his love for Christ, especially after a serious life changing accident in 2017. Jeff's presence was a strength that was felt by all who were blessed to know him. He will be profoundly missed until we are reunited in Heaven.
Survivors include his wife, Valerie Markgraf; children, Jeffrey Markgraf, Jr. and Jacob Markgraf; stepchildren, Kayli Mihalick, Joseph Mihalick, and Brandon Mihalick; grandchildren, Natalee Markgraf, and Kinley Mihalick; father, Lawrence (Jeannine) Markgraf; mother, Shirley (Montgomery) Mather; siblings, Michelle Markgraf Horvath, Michael Markgraf, Janelle Markgraf, Carolyn Markgraf, and Kyle Markgraf.
Jeff was preceded in death by his stepfather, Joseph Mather; paternal grandparents, Lawrence and Jean (Campbell) Markgraf; maternal grandparents, Max and Louise (Ochsner) Montgomery.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Madison Crossroads Church, 6685 Middle Ridge Road, Madison, Ohio with a memorial luncheon to immediately follow. A private burial will take place prior to the service at Alexander Harper Cemetery in Unionville, Ohio.
In place of flowers, contributions can be made to Madison Crossroads Church, 6685 Middle Ridge Rd, Madsion, Ohio 44057 or Ronald McDonald House Charities at https://www.rmhcneo.org/ways-to-give/donate/ or St. Jude's Childrens Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html
Lake Erie Funeral and Cremation Services, 1500 Harpersfield Road, Geneva, Ohio assisted the family with arrangements.
www.LakeErieCrematory.com