Keith Michael Mark, age 51, of Bay City, Wis,, passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 9, 2024, due to sudden cardiac arrest. Keith was born on May 18, 1973, the son of Harry and Darlyne (Huebel) Mark. Keith graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1992.
Keith’s life was defined by his love of family and his thoughtfulness in making everyone feel included and special. His oldest child, Jenny, remembers her dad making her friends feel included, even if that meant loaning them a pair of work boots (shitkickers) and having them help on the farm. He fell in love, and married Heather Edwards on Nov. 9, 2012. Together, they welcomed two beautiful children, Wyatt and Kylie, into the world. Wyatt and Kylie both remember their dad’s sense of humor and fun-loving nature. The kids remember their dad’s triumph as he would say “I am the greatest” when he beat his phone in Solitaire. As Kylie tells it, she had to ground her dad for stealing her dolls. Wyatt remembers his dad as the one who laid with him every night until he fell asleep. Keith’s love for his family extended to his nine siblings and their families, whether this meant helping his brothers with farm work, attending nieces’/nephews’ events, or simply being there with his thoughtfulness, as they faced their own struggles. His love for his family was unconditional, and he was a constant source of support, strength and kindness.
Keith developed a love for farming while growing up on a family dairy farm. He saw farming not just as work, but as a way of life that made him feel connected to his family. His love of farming served as the foundation for his strong work ethic and dedication.
Keith built a long career with Nestle Purina. His colleagues could always rely on his steadfastness during his more than 25 years with the company. This was demonstrated with his serving as a union steward. Throughout his career, Keith became a leader, mentoring many of his coworkers and management. His approachable and genuine manner built trust and respect among his co-workers.
In addition to Keith’s love of his family and farming, you could find Keith playing the card game 500 with family while drinking Mountain Dew, arguing politics, having lively discussions with his brothers about farming and tractors, and watching the Green Bay Packers. Keith’s love for life was contagious and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Keith is cherished and will forever be remembered by his wife and best friend, Heather Mark; his beloved children, Jennifer Sorenson, Wyatt and Kylie Mark; his siblings, Jeff (Lucy) Mark, Scott (Phyllis) Mark, Brian (Dolly) Mark, Todd (Billy) Mark, Brad (Missy) Mark, Angie Mark, Steve (Jackie) Mark, Jessie (Matt) Shafer, and Alison (Don) Severson; his mother-in-law, Faith Edwards; brother-in-law, Dustin (Kyrie) Edwards; as well as many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Darlyne Mark, niece, Marlee May Erlandson; and angel grandson Landon Mark.
Visitation took place on Tuesday, Oct.15 from 5-8 p.m., with a prayer service at 7:45 p.m., at O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Ellsworth, 130 N. Grant St., Ellsworth, WI. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, S105 Sabin Ave., Spring Valley, Wis. There will also be visitation one hour prior to the Mass on Wednesday. Keith will be laid to rest at Lost Creek Cemetery. With memorials, please include any stories of Keith that you think his children would enjoy and help them remember him by.
Services have been entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ellsworth, for further details please see www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com, or call 715-273-4421.
