Talbert, Mark 'Billy'

Mark “Billy” Talbert, 56, of Cascade, Iowa, died Sunday, Nov. 3, 2013, at his home surrounded by his loving family and friends. Friends and relatives of Billy may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, where a wake service will be held at 4 p.m. Services for Billy will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Garryowen, Iowa, with the Rev. Aloysius Vorwald officiating. Burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery in Cascade.

Mark was born May 25, 1957, in Monticello, Iowa, son of William J. “Bill” and Doris (Brady) Talbert. He was an integral part of a loving family. Their frequent get-togethers were full of warmth and laughter.

Billy was a 1975 graduate of Aquin High School in Cascade. He was a lifelong Hawkeye fan, a spirited Cascade Cougars supporter and a dedicated Buccaneer enthusiast. He worked for Conlon Construction for 21 years. His work ethic carried over into his involvement in the community. He was an integral part of the Ellen Kennedy Fine Arts Center, Cascade Cougars Football Field and Track and most recently, the planning of the Cascade Cougars new gymnasium, selflessly volunteering many hours of his time and labor.

On July 3, 2010, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Marilyn Reiter at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Cascade. They were so fortunate to have found each other and cherished each day together. Billy will be remembered as a loving husband and stepfather.

Billy was a member of the St. Mathias Parish, Cascade High School Booster Club and the CARE Foundation. He also served as a coach for many years for the Cascade Youth League. His generosity and his loving nature will be felt for many generations to come.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Marilyn Talbert of Cascade; and her wonderful sons, John Paul Reiter of Iowa City, and Stephen Reiter and Michael Reiter, both of Cedar Falls; mother, Doris Talbert of Cascade; four siblings, MaryJean (Steve) Knepper of Cascade, Sheryl (Jim) Buckels of West Des Moines, Patrick (Lori) Talbert of Sturgeon Bay, Wis. and Kathy (Brian) Gavin of Cascade; his mother-in-law, Kay McDonnell of Cascade; sisters and brothers-in-laws, Barb (Mark) Otting of Cascade, Trish (Gary) Warner of Loveland, Colo. and Neil McDonnell of Hoffmann Estates, Ill.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, William J. “Bill” Talbert; a sister, Dianne Knepper; a niece, Isabella Dowe; nephew, Keenan Dowe; his father-in-law, Paul McDonnell; and a sister-in-law, Janice McDonnell.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque for they support and care during this difficult time.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at .

Published in The Gazette Nov. 5, 2013.