03/25/2026
Local Tradition of Markâs Butcher Shop since 1965
It started simplyâneighbors helping neighbors.
Back in 1965, Ralph and Ethel Marks began processing pigs for friends and families right from their property over Thanksgiving. There was no grand planâjust a willingness to lend a hand and do honest work. But word traveled fast. Soon, neighbors were bringing their beef, and what began as a small act of service grew into something much bigger.
Winters became busy. The work became steady. And as the seasons changed, so did the needs of the community. Ralph and Ethel began processing deer during hunting season, becoming a name local hunters trusted year after year.
This wasnât just a businessâit was a family effort. With the help of their four children, the Marks family poured their time, energy, and pride into every cut. As demand grew, so did their vision. They built a dedicated butcher shop, and invested in professional equipmentâallowing them to serve more families without ever losing the personal touch that made them special.
Then, in February 2007, everything changed.
A fire tore through the butcher shop, reducing decades of hard work to ashes. After all those years, Ralph believed it was time to hang up his knives for good.
But the story didnât end there.
Fred and Kevin Marks werenât ready to let their familyâs legacy disappear. With determinationâand the incredible support of their community through fundraisers, helping hands, and unwavering encouragementâthey rebuilt. Not just a building, but a symbol of resilience. Stronger. Bigger. Ready for the next chapter.
Today, nearly 20 years later, Fred Marks continues to carry that legacy forward.
What started as neighbors helping neighbors has become something far greaterâa family tradition built on hard work, trust, and craftsmanship. And while the tools and building may have changed over the years, one thing hasnât:
The heart behind the work.