Marcus James Bovre Jr.

Marques James Bovre, Jr. died peacefully at his home early Monday morning, February 11, after a long tussle with a malignant brain tumor, his wife Tracy at his side.

Marques was born on June 4, 1962 in Paoli, Wisconsin. He attended MATC and the University of Wisconsin where he became a regular at open mic nights. On his own and with his two bands, Marques Bovre & the Evil Twins and Marques Bovre & So Dang Yang, Marques released 19 recordings and played countless shows at various venues, including Club de Wash, where he met Tracy in 1992.

Marques struggled with debilitating osteoarthritis, which kept him in pain much of the time. He rarely complained. Instead, there was his gentle smile, a twinkle in his eye, his knack for a clever turn of phrase, his twisted sense of humor, and his songs -- hundreds of songs, sacred and profane, full of poignant insights into the human condition.

Marques was a man of faith, and until his diagnosis in August, 2011, he was "artist-in-residence" at Lake Edge United Church of Christ in Madison where he helped provide music for "Worship at the Edge."

Marques was irreverently reverent, deep in his love of God and quick to poke fun at the absurd. He judged few people harshly and loved many greatly.
Marques did not fear death. He wrote a number of songs on the subject, including 'We're All Gonna Die Some Day." His interest was not morbid, but genuine, curious about the fate that awaits us all. We imagine his curiosity has been rewarded, and that he's already written a new song about it.
Marques is survived by his wife Tracy Bovre, daughter Madeline Bovre (16), and son Quintin Bovre (14) of McFarland, WI, parents Marcus Sr.
and Sue Bovre of Oregon, WI, sister Lisa Martinson and her partner Doug Cleary of DeForest, WI, maternal grandmother Ann Strain, many aunts and uncles, in-laws, cousins, nephews and nieces, and the family dogs, Buddy and Charlie.

Marques was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Pearl and Clarence Fritz, and his maternal grandfather John Strain.

He will be dearly missed by family, friends and band mates, and the many thousands who have been touched by his music over the years.

A memorial service will held at Madison Christian Community, 7118 Old Sauk Rd, Madison, WI, at 11:00 am on Friday, February 15. The service will be followed by a reception and light lunch at the church. Area United Church of Christ ministers Sara Thiessen, Tisha Brown, and Bryan Sirchio will officiate.
The Bovre family wishes to express their profound gratitude for the compassionate and excellent care provided to Marques by the doctors, nurses, social workers, and staff members of Meriter Hospital, UW Hospital, and Agrace Hospice Care.

In lieu of flowers, Marques' family asks that you give your love ones a hug and make a donation to Haiti Allies (www.haitiallies.org).
Memorial funds received will be used to promote micro loans in Haiti.