Andrew J. Markwart, 43, Shawnee, KS, passed away Friday, February 24, 2006. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m., Tuesday, February 28, 2006, at the Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee. Services will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 1, 2006, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 7851 West 119th St., Overland Park, KS. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Capitol Federal Savings, c/o the Markwart Children Education Fund, 5700 Nieman, Shawnee, KS 66203.

Andy was born November 3, 1962, in Yale, MI, son of Robert and Audrey Markwart. He married Thelma Schoonmaker on September 4, 1993. Andy graduated from Capac High School and Michigan State University, with a BA degree in Communications. Andy was an active member of Kaw Prairie Community Church. He was a dedicated family man, who loved spending time with his wife, Thelma, and their two children, Marlaina (7) and Owen (3). He had a passion for music, and played bass guitar, harmonica, and sang in several bands through his life. During college, he was with the PinHeads; later he played with QuasiMojo, and he shared his musical gifts with his church in the praise band.

He worked for the National FFA Organization, Prairie Farmer, CyberCrop, and Deere and Co. Andy was a gifted writer and photographer, and brought great insight and leadership skills to key positions throughout his career, including his most recent position as editor of The Furrow, a John Deere equipment magazine and the Homestead magazine as well. Andy was respected and well liked on both personal and professional levels. He had a kind heart and generous spirit and he shared them both over and over with all he came in contact with. He is survived by his wife, children, parents; brothers, Terry (Corrine), Luther (Terri), sisters, Julie (Lee) Magneson, Melanie (Jon) Arnold, Heidi (David) Devereux, and nieces and nephews. Condolences may be expressed at www.amosfamily.com. (Arr. Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee 913-631-5566.)