Mark physically left this earth on December 11, 2019 due to an unexpected illness, but the impression he left on the lives he touched will remain forever.

Mark fought the fight; it was his time too soon.

He triumphantly survived kidney, lung and colon cancer, along with living with Congestive Heart Failure. It was never easy for him and he had few complaints. He managed to always have a bear hug, a smile or a quick-witted comment. If he teased you, it was out of endearment. His presence really was larger than life.

Mark earned his marketing degree in 1989 from Fox Valley Technical College. At the beginning of his career, he spent a number of years at JJ Keller and made lifelong friends. The majority of Mark's working years were in the service industry – 20+ years at the Legion and Cleo's Brownbeam, both in Appleton. His token phrase was – 'Well you know, I'm an old service industry mutt'. He also worked for Casino Events for years, dealing black jack. He enjoyed in these jobs, meeting people from all walks of life, and making them laugh.

Mark enjoyed his time volunteering at Thedacare Soleil Café and Oncology. Having survived cancer himself and being by his mom's side in her cancer struggle, he felt it was important to be there for others. This again was an avenue for him to meet and talk to people.

He loved reading books in any quiet café, cup of coffee in hand. He had pure joy in beating anyone in a game of cribbage. He took many short road trips with close friends, and enjoyed finding quirky places (and it was even better if there were homemade bakery goods).  He was a true animal lover as well, known to stop in the middle of the street to talk to someone walking their Beagle, starting a conversation about his love for Beagles.  All of Jenny's Beagles and cats were his buddies.  He will truly be missed by his current cat Myron, and Jenny's Beagle Bella, and cats Maddie and Sybil.

Many trips to Madison and Door County were the highlight for him and longtime girlfriend Jenny. Due to his health he couldn't always get around well, but there was always a good time to be found. Those who knew Mark, will never look at a stack of napkins and a clean pint glass the same way.

Mark is survived by his girlfriend of 14 years, Jennifer (Jenny) Schuerer; brother, Kevin Wenzel; and niece and nephews: Emily, Brady, and Casey.  He is also survived by Jennifer's family:  her mother Betty Schuerer; her siblings:  Don (Sally) Schuerer, Karen (Vann) Willett, Mike (Tammy) Schuerer, Patrick Schuerer, and John Keathley; and her niece and nephews:  Nichole Madison, Ryan Bergner, Matthew, Thomas, Mason, Mitchel, and Cole Schuerer.  Mark will also be missed by close friends:  Vicky Weiland, Cindy Kirk, Brad Hauser, Audrey Turowksi, and Kathy Gyorko.

He was preceded in death by his parents:  Wilbur and Ardis (Reinke) Wenzel; and members of Jennifer's family:  father, Thomas Schuerer; and sister, Deb DeNoon.

A celebration of Mark's life will take place on December 29, 2019 at Waverly Beach N8770 Fire Lane 1, Menasha, WI. A short Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm to include any special anecdotes or stories about Mark shared by anyone. Following to include conversation, laughs, hugs, smiles and smart comments; which Mark would say 'That's how I roll'.  In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in his name.   To sign the guest book, please visit oconnellfh.com.

A special thank you to the Thedacare ICU nurses – Barb, Brianna, Sheri and Jenn. The outstanding care and empathy you provided will always be remembered and appreciated; Dr. Tamlyn and his staff at the Heart and Vascular Institute of Wisconsin and the staff UW Madison Carbone Center through his numerous cancer diagnoses.

Thank you also to countless friends, family and strangers for their support. The outpour of concern and love has been a true testament to Mark's legacy – that would have made him happy.