Markus Allan Misgen, 12, of Ellendale, died Thursday, July 11, 2013, at Owatonna Hospital.

He was born Feb. 23, 2001, in Owatonna the son of Mark and Sara (Degen) Misgen. Markus was a handsome boy with beautiful big blue eyes and a smile that lit up the room. He was a leader in his family and among his friends, taking charge whenever he was needed. He was a natural organizer. Markus was busy playing summer baseball with his school friends, taking swimming lessons with the goal of becoming a lifeguard and spending time with his siblings, cousins and friends. He had the lead role in his school play, “Aladdin,” and played the drums in the school band. He loved music so much that he recently began taking guitar lessons. Markus also enjoyed cooking with his mom, playing video and board games and playing with his family and friends. He was a very active kid and avid sports fan. He won a BMX state championship, enjoyed playing and watching baseball and was a Twins fan. Ever since he was little he wanted to grow up to be a professional baseball player. He loved snowmobiling with his family as well as driving the family golf cart. Markus also loved babies and thanked God every day for his baby brother. He loved all of his siblings and had fun watching cartoons and fishing, playing catch and pitching with his dad and brothers. He was the glue to his family. Markus loved mashed potatoes and hamburger gravy and ice cream, but what was unique is that he put Oreo cookies in his rootbeer floats. Markus’ favorite color was blue.

He is survived by his parents, Mark and Sara Misgen; siblings, Payton, Makota, Sierra and Preston Misgen of Ellendale; maternal grandparents, Gary and Judy Degen of Ellendale; paternal grandmother, Connie (and Scott) Evenson of Ellendale; maternal great-grandma, Vera Bowman of Ellendale; paternal great-grandpa, Francis Misgen of New Richland; aunts and uncles, Anita (Randy) Anhalt, Paula (Richard) Conroy, Michele (Mark) Reistad, Eric (Dawn) Degen, Jeff (DeAnne) Misgen, Jen Misgen and Ashley (A.J. Cookas) Misgen. Markus also had many cousins that loved him dearly. His first cousins include, Angel, Randy Jr., Ariel and Ashton Anhalt, Christian, Cayla and Colton Conroy, Danette, Cassie and Riley Reistad, Garett, Orianna and Lucas Degen, Alexa and Tess and Kenzie Misgen; special friends, Sally and Galen Spinler; and half sister, Brittni Camerer.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandpa, Mike Misgen.

Markus was full of so much life and joy. He touched the lives of so many people in so many special ways. He was loved dearly by all who knew him. He will be missed more than words can say.

Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. today at First Lutheran Church and on Wednesday from 1 to 2 p.m. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at First Lutheran Church in Ellendale with the Rev. Richard Sliper officiating. Interment will be in the First Lutheran Cemetery in Ellendale.