Elna Mary Steffen Markert

Elna Mary Steffen Markert, age 86, of Crawfordville, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 17, 2026. She was born on January 21, 1940, in St. Joe, Wisconsin, to the late William and Clara Steffen.

Elna devoted her life to her family as a loving homemaker and will be remembered for the warmth and care she brought to her home. She had a deep love for cooking and canning, often preparing food that brought family and friends together around her table. A woman of strong faith, she attended The Church of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

She also found great joy in crafting rosaries, and her handmade rosaries were shared with people around the world, offering comfort and prayer to many.

Elna is survived by her husband of 65 years, Joseph Gustave Markert; her children, Linda Markert of Apalachee, Georgia, and Jeff Markert and wife Gwen of Crawfordville, Georgia; her siblings, Earl Steffen and wife Carol of St. Joe, Wisconsin, and Betty Griffin of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin; two grandchildren, Hallie Marshall (Wesley) and Zackery Markert (Brandi); and three great-grandchildren, Lillie Markert, Kyla Markert and Hayes Marshall.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Clara Steffen.

Elna will be remembered for her gentle spirit, strong faith, devotion to her family, and the love she expressed through her cooking, canning, and handmade rosaries. Her legacy of kindness and faith will continue to live on in all who knew her.

A memorial service will be held on April 27, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Church of the Purification, located at 240 Washington Road in Crawfordville, Georgia. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and honor of a life well lived.

Hopkins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Elna Mary Steffen Markert.