MARQUARDT, Charles Michael

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Published Wednesday, April 13, 2011 - Charles Michael "Mike" Marquardt, 57, passed away March 30, 2011, in Lake Havasu City. He was born on Aug. 9, 1953, in Long Beach, Calif., to Wanda and Charles Marquardt. Mike finally found a battle he could not win. He battled several medical challenges over the past year and a half as was trying very hard to get his health and life back. He and his wife, Sandy, had 34 fantastic adventurous years together. They moved to Lake Havasu 10 years ago, coming from California. Together they adopted their daughter, Jasmine, when she was just 5 years old, because he always wanted a little girl. Mike was also the proud father of his son, Jason, and he recently found out he had a grandson, Braedon, which filled Mike's heart with joy. Mike had a stellar career with Yellow Freight as a manager of all sorts for 21 years before moving to Lake Havasu City to try to improve his quality of life. Mike owned Hav-a-Sign for three years, a successful local sign company and then became a licensed real estate agent working for Brooks-Clark. When the economy crashed and the real estate market along with it, he went to school and became a Black Jack dealer, working for the Edgewater Casino in Laughlin. His life was full with many great friends, family and travels. Mike went through the chairs at B.P.O. Elks #2399 of Lake Havasu City, enjoying every minute of it and became an Exalted Ruler from 2006-2007. Mike also became a KCBS barbecue judge which he really enjoyed. He judged barbecue events in Arizona, California and Nevada. One of Mike's passions was being a Dive Instructor with PADI. He dove all over California, Mexico and the Caribbean. Another passion of his was his love for animals, especially dogs of the Pit Bull breed. His dogs went everywhere with him and he rescued several of them from the pound. Mike was the Marquardt family patriarch and protector, always fighting for and defending the underdog. Mike had an infectious laugh like no other. He was a big guy with an even bigger heart. All we can say is...."move over Angels, Big Mike is coming!" Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Sandy Marquardt, of Lake Havasu City; son, Jason Marquardt; daughter, Jasmine Marquardt; mother, LaVerne Marquardt; sister, Kathy Lyn; grandson, Braedon; nieces, Jessica and Joy; and a nephew, Shane. He was preceded in death by his father, Chuck Marquardt; and grand parents, Grammie and Ben. A Lodge of Sorrow memorial service will be held at the B.P.O Elks, 3532 N. McCulloch Blvd., LHC. Saturday, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, an account has been set up in Mike's name at National Bank of Arizona, 1041 N. Lake Havasu Ave., LHC. AZ. 86403. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.lakehavasumortuary.com. Arrangements are under the care of Lake Havasu Mortuary and Crematory.