Gerald Marking graduated from Baraboo High School, Baraboo, Wisconsin in 1956. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Platteville pursuing industrial arts. With some time in the service, Marking earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education, graduating in 1963.

Marking started the wrestling program at Campbellsport High School in 1966 and has been the only head wrestling coach since. Initially, he took the position for one year. Marking had never wrestled and had virtually no knowledge of the sport. Marking developed a first season record 4-5 toward statistics that have become the envy of many coaches. With a winning season each year, 1967 to the present, he compiled a dual meet record of 259-21-1.

Marking demonstrates enthusiasm and dedication toward wrestling that has been recognized by those around him. Dave Meyer, wrestling coach of Lomira High School states, "he is an accomplished teacher, motivator and promoter. His love of wrestling as a molder of young men are well known among those familiar with him. He has always handled his athletes with firm but fatherly discipline and always given a boy a push when a push is needed and a hug when that was called for. He is a fierce and fiery competitor and he does a remarkable job of instilling the same competitiveness in his wrestlers." Steve Engelland, wrestling coach at Neenah High School adds, "Marking is more than a coach. He is a totally dedicated and committed person to the young men he coaches. This is obvious, not only in wrestling, but also in his rapport with the students he greets in the halls and in the classroom each day."

With the great backing of parents and wrestlers, the Campbellsport wrestling tradition took off. His teams have won 23 conference titles in a row; the first 3 while in the Scenic Moraine Conference and the last 20 in the Wisconsin Flyway Conference. He has coached 159 individual conference champions. Marking's teams have earned the distinction of having 146 consecutive conference wins. His teams have had 11 undefeated seasons and 14 undefeated seasons at home, with a home record of 129-7-0. In the 23 years of wrestling, Campbellsport has shut out 38 teams. From 1970-1978 his teams won 101 dual meets in a row.

They have won 13 WIAA Regional and 6 WIAA Sectional championships. In 1980, Marking's team won the WIAA Class B State Championships and in 1979, his team placed 2nd. In his 24 years of coaching, 59 of Marking's wrestlers have been WIAA state qualifiers while 23 have been place winners. Nine of his wrestlers have been in the finals and 3 became champions. Campbellsport's most recognized wrestler in college was Rick Gruber, who was University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh's first 4 time All-American.

'Sarge' Marking Left a Legacy at Campbellsport High School (1937-2021)

Sarge Marking Left A Legacy At Campbellsport High School BY ANDREA HANSEN ABLER EDITOR
Gerald “Sarge” Marking left quite a legacy at Campbellsport High School. The beloved wrestling coach died on June 24th, but no one will ever forget the mark he has left on this community. Sarge began his career at Campbellsport High School in 1963 when he became the industrial technology teacher.

Gerald Marking (1937-2021)
Dated: July 2, 2021

Gerald “Sarge” Marking, 83, passed away on June 24, 2021.

Sarge was born on September 8, 1937, in Baraboo, WI to parents, Nicholas Marking and Lila Zenfennig.

Sarge graduated from Baraboo High School in 1956, while in high school, he was Prom King his junior year, he played football, basketball, baseball, tennis and swimming. He graduated from UW Platteville in 1963 with an Industrial Technology degree. He taught Technology Education at Campbellsport High School from 1963 – 1995. In the summer of 1995, he received a call from Dick Bestor, Principal at Theisen Middle School in Fond du Lac, WI, Dick offered Sarge a position teaching woodworking at Theisen. Sarge taught at Theisen from 1995 – 2010. Sarge taught for a total of 48 years. He loved his students, his wrestlers and teaching.

Sarge was in the United States Army Reserves for 26 years and retired as a Major. He had graduated from Officer Training School at Ft. McCoy,

Sarge started the Campbellsport High School Wrestling Program in 1966. His many teams over 29 years of being CHS Head wrestling Coach, won many Conference, Regional, Sectional Titles, and won 2nd place at the State Wrestling Tournament before high schools were divided into divisions. When the high schools were placed in various divisions, his wrestlers won the Wisconsin State Wrestling Title in their division. He had many Individual Wrestling Champions throughout the 29 years Sarge was Head Wrestling Coach.

Considering Sarge has never wrestled, starting the CHS Wrestling Program in 1966 – 1995, he is and always will be a Respected Coach and Person.

Sarge was inducted into the State Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame and also inducted into the Campbellsport High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

In his spare time, Sarge loved to go fishing on Long Lake where we lived for 35 years. He caught his quota of Blue Gills every day, yum! Long Lake was the perfect place for Sarge to take his boat out, go down to our pier, put his boat in and go fishing with his friends.

Sarge is preceded in death by his parents, Nick and Lila, his nephew, Brett Marking, many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and his Special Aunt, Sister Mary Henry Marking; also his parents-in-law, Edward P. Kreuser and his wife Elizabeth, Brothers-in-law, Edward J. Kreuser, Laverne H. Kreuser and his wife, Shirley G. Kreuser and Richard “Dick” Scott.

Sarge is survived by his wife of 48 years, Beverly, his sons, Craig A. Marking, his wife, Tina and their daughter Haley R. Marking, Nicholas E. Marking, his wife, April and their twin daughters, Kaitlyn and Elena, his brothers, Charles “Chuck” Marking and his wife Jeanne, their 3 sons, Randy, Rob and Jon and their families, William “Jack” Marking and his wife, Sue, and sister-in-law, Mary Jane Scott and son, Kevin and his wife, Brittany and their two children, Connor and Emery Rose.

A Special Thank you to Mr. Don Kurki of Kurki Funeral Chapel in Fond du Lac, WI.

Sarge, until we meet again, Our Loving Memories of You will always be with us.

Private Memorial Services were held and Cremation has taken place.

Kurki Funeral Chapel & Crematory is serving the family,

www.kurkifuneralchapel.com

Obituary: Gerald Marking 1937-2021

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