Bill Marquardt IWCOA Memorial Fund

Bill was born on February 22, 1943, in Bloomington-Normal. He graduated from Bloomington High School and then attended Eastern Illinois University, where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education, and a minor in Industrial Arts. 


His enthusiasm for wrestling began in high school and extended to college. His love for the sport helped him become a successful coach in his own right. Officiating wrestling matches became Bill’s greatest calling. He officiated various levels of wrestling in Illinois, from 1967 until 2003. For his excellent service as an official, Bill was acknowledged for the 1984-85 season as Central Illinois’s Official-of-the-Year. Several years later (1998), he was further honored by the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association as the statewide Official-of-the-Year. One year later, in 1999, Bill was inducted in the IWCOA’s Hall of Fame. In 2006 they honored him with the Lifetime Service to Wrestling Award and inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. You may view his Hall of Fame profile by clicking on the following link: 

https://nwhof.org/stillwater/hall-of-fame/#type=hof&honoree=1487 


Bill was also a dedicated high school teacher. He taught PE and Industrial Arts (IA). During his last 13 years of teaching IA to juniors and seniors, they built a house every year. But those close to Bill knew that his lifetime service to the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association was his true passion. Bill harbored the desire to “give back” to the sport he embraced and enjoyed being a part of for most of his life. Therefore, the family would be thrilled if instead of flowers you kindly donated to the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association (IWCOA). Your donation will help sponsor important wrestling programs in Bill’s name. 


*Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. https://iwcoa.net 

**All donations are paid directly to IWCOA from gofundme.com. Funds will NOT be paid to the Marquardt Family.


Our family thanks you for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. And we know Bill would thank you for your IWCAO support! Be safe and stay well. 

                                                                 Love,
                                          The Marquardt Family