Obituary of Walter C. Markert Jr.

Dateline: Ballston Lake

Walter C. Markert Jr., 87, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2023 at Ellis Hospital with his family at his side. Born in Northampton, MA he was the son of the late Walter and Frances Markert Sr..  Walt was a 1953 graduate of Amherst High School and completed the General Electric Apprentice Toolmaking Program in 1958.  He married his beloved wife Karen on February 18, 1961, together they shared 62 years of marriage. Walt worked for General Electric for over 20 years retiring in 1975. Walter’s lifelong passion for high performance engines led him to start his own business Walt Markert Engines. To say he had a passion for motorsports would be an understatement. Walt was a successful drag racer winning hundreds of races and three national championships.  Behind the wheel of the “Berkshire Beetle”, Walt captured National Hot Rod Association C/Dragster National Championships in 1959, 1960 and 1963.  Walt was inducted into the New York State Stock Car Association Hall of Fame in 2012, and in 2015 he was presented with a “Wally” for the National Hot Rod Association Lifetime Achievement Award.  In addition to his racing accomplishments, Walt was very proud of his wife Karen and the family they have raised together.  Walt was a quiet gentleman that let his engines (and his girls) speak for him.

Left to honor Walt is his wife Karen, his daughters Linda FitzGibbons (Michael), Cynthia Ginther (Jeffrey) and Pamela Markert.  He will be remembered with love by his grandchildren: Courtney Manuel (Michael), Matthew Becker, Andrew Ginther (Katelynn) and Brianna Becker along with his great granddaughter, the apple of his eye, Valerie Manuel. Walt will be greatly missed by his feline companion Charlie along with caring neighbors, friends, and the racing family.

In addition to his parents, Walt was predeceased by his sister Gertrude Leland.

Honoring Walt’s wishes, the family will celebrate his life privately.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in his name may be made to the New York State Stock Car Association Member Benefit Fund, 10 Matthew Drive Castleton, NY 12033.