Jim Marquardt

Hello.

My name is Megan Givens Legenza and Steph is my best friend from college. I live in Nebraska, and Steph and I have remained close over the last 20 years. To know Steph is to love Steph.

Tragically, Steph's husband, Jim passed away on Friday, February 3rd leaving behind his beautiful family. Steph teaches 5th grade in Bridgewater SD, and together they have three boys, Shay (13), Peyton (8) and Tyson (6). Jim is also father to Jordan (Hailey) Marquardt and Hannah (Tanner) Marquardt Hines along with three beautiful grandchildren.

In the blink of an eye, Steph's life will never be the same. She and her children are broken, devastated and scared. Steph has an amazing network of support and is truly an angel on earth, but she would never ask for help. Steph will be the first person to help us, but accepting help or asking for it isn't in her vocabulary. But, Steph will need some help, so here I am. Funeral expenses, a mortgage, young children, health insurance... grief. Where to start? Life is so hard already, and this family has a long road ahead of them.

Prayers are as good as a donation. I know Steph would agree. Thank you on behalf of the Marquardt family, and from the bottom of my heart.