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Mark John Schwanke

SKANDIA, MI – Mark John Schwanke, age 67, of Skandia, entered eternal life Friday, March 26, 2021, at home, in the loving care of his family.

Mark was born March 21, 1954, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a son of Robert and Marilyn (Hertzberg) Schwanke. He was the former manager of Smoky Lake Reserve in Phelps, Wisconsin, for almost 25 years. He enjoyed the hours he spent at work with friends at the MNWC and at Staybridge (Veridea) from where he retired in March 2020. Mark enjoyed special times with his family telling stories and silly sarcasms. He loved everything about the woods. He felt he was closest to God in the woods whether he was working, hiking, fishing, hunting, or just enjoying the wildlife and sitting in the woods.

Mark is the beloved husband of Linda (nee Sotala) for 46 years; dearest father of David (Lindsey), Tim (Amy), and Annie (Alex) Oldfield; grandfather of Justin, Lucas, Eli and special Buppa to Ethan and Sophie. He is further survived by his brother, Tom (Joanne); his sister, Lorri (Kirk) Anderson; sister-in-law, Carol SanAgustin; nieces, nephews, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family would like to especially thank Jacki, UPHS-Marquette, Eastwood Nursing Center, and UP Home Health and Hospice for their services in assisting the family through this difficult time. Special thanks also to the Oncology Department at UPHS-Marquette and Mayo Clinic Rochester and the many amazing nurses and doctors who helped Mark along the way.

A memorial service will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Green Garden, 6847 Highway US 41 South, on Saturday, April 17. Friends may call at the church from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Masks and social distancing is required. Private family services will follow. Rev. John Ruege, pastor, will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, the family, or Mayo Cancer Research.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.