Mark Henry Kalscheur

Mark Henry Kalscheur left us peacefully on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at the age of 86.

Mark was born on April 24,1938 in Madison, Wisconsin. He was the oldest of four children born to Cyril “Jim” and Catherine (Endres) Kalscheur. He was raised in the closeknit community of Martinsville, Wisconsin. Though Mark would leave Martinsville for work and to raise his family, he always held it close, sharing generations of traditions and memories with family and friends. From his formative years at St. Martins school (which he fondly called “The University of Martinsville”), attending church services, working the fields, milking cows, and helping others, Martinsville played a significant role in shaping an extraordinary man.

On October 14,1961 Mark married the love of his life, Marge (Margaret) Markstahler, and 60 years later they renewed their vows in a beautiful private service. Together, they raised their three children, Cindy, Craig, and Paul, in Waunakee, Wisconsin. Being close to Martinsville, Sundays were often spent with Mark’s parents, siblings, and their families at the farm. As time passed, the children started their own families and the farm was sold, yet Martinsville, continues to this day, to be a frequent stop for dinner with family and friends.

Mark attended Middleton High School and was a plumber by profession, retiring from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Physical Plant. He was skilled in the trades and would help family and friends with almost any project. Anyone who entered Mark’s backyard garage could see his God-given engineering talents shine. On one occasion he not only imagined, but he built a trailer storage system using an electric motor and a lawn tractor transmission. The unique solutions created in that garage were endless.

When meeting Mark, it was his clear blue eyes and warm smile that greeted you. As a faithful man, he was kind, generous, and humble, always willing to engage in witty banter. He could easily bring laughter to a room and also make anyone he was talking with feel special as an individual. As the years went by, Mark would physically slow down, though his wit, gift for storytelling, and humor never faded. 

Mark’s greatest joy came from time spent with family and friends. He especially treasured his grandchildren and great-grandchildren (who lovingly knew him as Old Bird). 

As only fitting, Mark will be laid to rest in St. Martins Cemetery in Martinsville, Wisconsin on Thursday, March 13, 2025. He will be close to his parents and the community that shaped a remarkable man.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday,March 13,2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 209 South St., Waunakee. A Visitation will be held at the church from 9-11:00 am, followed by a Mass at 11:00 am, and a reception at the Springfield Inn.

Mark is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Marge; children, Cindy (Kayne) Kowis, Craig (LeeAnna) Kalscheur, and Paul (Lisa) Kalscheur; grandchildren, Valerie (Pat) Donovan, Vanessa (Kevin) Drake, Alyssa Kowis (Aaron Daniels), Gabe, Rose, Ryder, and Jett Kalscheur; and great-grandchildren, Edie and Leroy Donovan, and Janie Drake. Mark is also survived by two brothers, Phil (Cina) and Neal (Cindy) Kalscheur; brothers-in-law, Tom Hellenbrand, Greg Schultz and Lonnie Bailey; and many nieces and nephews that Mark loved dearly.

Mark is preceded in death by his parents, Cyril and Catherine Kalscheur; his sister, Carol; and Marge’s parents, brothers and sisters.

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

 Winn-Cress Funeral Home

 5785 Hwy Q

 Waunakee, WI