Obituaries

Condolences

• 

  February 02, 2025

  Kiheon Kim

  I still hum the song you taught me 20 years ago, but the one who taught won't hear it again. Always thought there will be some time later, but that later never came. I'll miss you.

• 

  January 19, 2025

  Dawnrae Jackson

  I am just hearing of this, I attended several of Mark's meetup tours. Being new to Wisconsin this helped me feel connected to my new community and loved meeting the other attendees and learned so much from Mark. I enjoyed his warmth in welcoming me to the group and his varied knowledge on the places and events. Peace be upon you

• January 18, 2025

  Tariq Shafi

  I found out about this yesterday. I didn't know Mark that well but did work with him at CapTel. I later encountered him through a mutual friend. I am sorry for his passing and express my condolences to his family and friends.

• 

  January 17, 2025

  Mary Joan Nastri

  Mark, Dawn and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. Mark arranged such lovely trips. He had a zest for life that was contagious. I hope happy memories will keep you during this difficult time. Love, Mary Joan Nastri

• 

  January 15, 2025

  Joe Parlapiano

  My condolences to the families and friends of Mark and Dawn. Mark will forever be part of my heart, as we shared thoughts and ideas, opinions and facts, setbacks and hopes. Although I only saw the tip of the iceberg of this wonderful human being I am grateful for what we shared. Peace.

• 

  January 15, 2025

  Sara H.

  I'm so sorry to hear about Mark's passing. We were in an extracurricular group at Thoreau Elementary called Future Problem Solvers. We didn't get the best score, which was of course disappointing, but Mark maintained his resilience and sense of humor—two things I'll remember most about him.

• 

  January 14, 2025

  Kristin Fredrick

  I was so sad to hear of Mark's passing. I participated in a number of historic tours coordinated and led by Mark through his meet up groups over the years. He truly was so welcoming and kind and his passion for history and architecture was contagious. I also enjoyed his social media posts about historical sites throughout the State. He was so knowledgeable. We are so fortunate for the gifts he has shared with us all. May his friends and family take solace knowing his light brightened the lives of so many people. A light that will continue to live on in all of our hearts. Kristin Fredrick

• 

  January 13, 2025

  Heidi Burmeister

  I was a member of Mark's historical -artistic Meetup Group, where he planned events in the Mid-West for years. Mark's kindness, dedication and enthusiasm made his tours and gatherings shine.Mark was a very special person who shared his talents with so many people- Merci, Mark. ❤️ Heidi and Martin Burmeister

• 

  January 13, 2025

  Kate statz

  Randi, Bill, and David I am sending so much love and light to you all and I am so sorry for your loss. I have countless wonderful childhood memories of Mark that I will cherish. He was truly one of a kind and will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Rest in peace Mark. Love you Kate Statz

• January 11, 2025

  Angela Persico Schofield

  So sorry about your loss. Our sons were friends. Met Mark when he came to visit our son. Mark was delightful. He'll be remembered in my prayers. Angela Schofield - Georgia

• January 10, 2025

  Amy Vincent

  Mark was an original above all things. He blew me away the first time Dawn brought him around our family! What an absolutely amazing mind! And a kind heart to match it as well. I always enjoyed seeing & listening to Mark talk. Watching how he cared for Dawn was a delight too. He was very good to her & their relationship so special. I am so sorry for your loss, as parents. I will keep you in my prayers. Dawn - you are in my heart and I'm here for you. Mark would want you to keep shining your light in the way only you can. "Love is stronger than death" It still hurts a lot tho. Comfort to you all & God bless ❤️ -Amy

• 

  January 10, 2025

  Katie Held
• 

  January 09, 2025

  Eileen Murphy

  I met Mark through my sister and her friends who knew him through Madison College. I went to visit New Orleans on vacation many years ago and he carefully prepared a multi-page list of recommendations. My (now) husband and I found ourselves off the beaten path going to really interesting places like the Laura Plantation and cemetery tours. One museum he recommended was a cultural gem, huge and also completely vacant except for us! His restaurant recommendations were spot on. I've recently watched some of his TikTok videos of Madison neighborhoods that include homes I've walked past hundreds of times but knew nothing about. He will be missed.

• January 09, 2025

  Jeanne Shilts

  Randi and Bill, Christopher told me of the passing of your son. So sorry for your loss. Jeanne Shilts (Rob and Christopher's friend)

• 

  January 09, 2025

  Jillian

  I was fortunate enough to meet Mark on a handful of his cemetery tours. Sending my wishes for peace and healing to his family-- his knowledge, passion, and contributions to preserving and sharing local history will be missed.

• 

  January 09, 2025

  Rob and Christopher

  Bill, Randi and family - We were saddened to learn of Mark's passing. We remember him as an inquisitive and intelligent teen, who grew to be a kind-hearted man and a gentle soul. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

• 

  January 09, 2025

  Ellen Kalwitz

  I have gone on several Meet Up tours with Mark, always stunned by his knowledge, his approachability and kindness. I enjoyed his fun loving sense of humor. Madison will miss him and the stories he passed on. So sorry for your loss. From one of his followers and fans, Ellen Kalwitz

• 

  January 08, 2025

  Shane Tessmer

  This made me think of Mark: Your brilliant mind shone bright and true, Illuminating all that you pursued. With intellect and heart, you made your mark, Leaving behind a legacy in the dark. In conversations, you sparkled with delight, Sharing knowledge, insights, and your infectious light. Your curiosity was contagious and bright, Inspiring us to learn, to explore, and to ignite. Though your time with us was cut short, your impact remains, A testament to your brilliance, your love, and your pains. We'll miss your thoughtful perspectives, your witty humor, and your care, But most of all, we'll miss the radiant presence you shared. Rest now, dear friend, your brilliance will shine on, A guiding star that navigates us, though you're gone. Your memory will live in our hearts, a treasure to hold, A very smart friend, whose love and legacy will never grow old.

• 

  January 08, 2025

  Allee Hochmuth

  Rest in peace, Mark. I was glad to meet you and get to know you, even for a short time. You were always so kind and insightful. You will be remembered and dearly missed.

• 

  January 08, 2025

  Eric Fleming - St. Vincent de Paul - Madison - Dane County

  Dawn, Bill, Randi, David, Malia, and the rest of the family, our condolences and prayers on the passing of Mark. He loved his community, family, friends, music, food, architecture, traveling, and history. More importantly, he enjoyed bringing people together. Thank you, God, for the gift of Mark. May the perpetual light shine upon him. -Eric Fleming and everyone at St. Vincent de Paul - Madison - Dane County

• 

  January 08, 2025

  Kate Holt

  Dearest Mark, It is difficult to let you go. You brought so much light to so many people. May your brilliance and kindness live on in all those who loved you. May you be at peace in the great beyond. All my love, Kate Holt

• 

  January 08, 2025

  Kevin Mirus

  Bill, I am so sorry for this loss and offer my condolences to you, Randi, your family, and Mark's friends. Please take care. - Kevin Mirus

• 

  January 08, 2025

  Nan Bogue

  Hello Dawn, Historic Madison wants to plant trees in Mark's honor, but I need an email address of where to send the certificate. Can you please email me with your email address? Thank you, Nan Bogue (see my post) nanlynnb@gmail.com

• 

  January 07, 2025

  Sandor Gulyas

  My heart aches for Mark's passing. I first met Mark at Louisiana State back in '06 (or '07). We were able to reconnect a handful of years later via facebook and Mark was more than happy to give me a tour of Madison, the first time I was able to visit (ironically during the COVID summer of 2020) Not seeing his travelogues through Wisconsin, not asking about architecture anymore leaves me lost. I will miss Mark as long as I live.

• 

  January 07, 2025

  Hierle Simon

  I met Mark back in 2008-2009 when he was working in France at the university of Limoges. We had many great conversations and I have to thank him for making me discover and appreciate American cuisine. I like to think that wherever he might be, he appreciates that thanks to him, there's a French family who regularly enjoys jambalaya and cornbread (he would probably frown upon my making a sweet northern cornbread with a southern dish, though!). Can't promise I won't be emotional when I make them from now on. Thanks buddy and rest in peace. Simon Hierle

• 

  January 07, 2025

  Ann and Nelson Flynn

  Bill, Randi, David, Malia and Dawn: Our sons were good friends starting in 1st grade, and Mark visited our house lots of times. He was ALWAYS enthusiastic, and ready to make things up on the spur of the moment. Nelson and I send our deepest condolences, and hold you all in our prayers.

• 

  January 07, 2025

  Stevie Fownes

  I really enjoyed my conversations with Mark over the years while attending his fun Meet-Up adventures. He was a generous, terrific guy who offered so many different things to do that made life fun and interesting. He will be deeply missed.

• 

  January 07, 2025

  LaShell Tinder

  Mark was incredibly welcoming when I joined the meet up group to connect with others in a city I hoped to retire in. So sad I won't be able to continue cultivating the relationship. He was so encouraging of our relocating to Madison.

• 

  January 07, 2025

  Kanjana

  Mark and I met when we were 15, both being clarinet players. We shared many laughs and had so much fun in the clarinet section. Imagine my surprise when we both ended up getting our degrees in Linguistics later on. We nerded out together over Facebook on languages and food history and swapped recipes. I was so happy to reconnect with him when I moved back to the Midwest and even had the chance to catch up with him a few times, one of which I had the pleasure to meet Dawn. What a lost this is to all our hearts and what joy it was to have had him in our lives. Rest in peace, my friend. Thank you for your light.

• 

  January 06, 2025

  Joe Ullman

  Very sorry for your loss. I can't imagine your pain. Love, Joe

• 

  January 06, 2025

  Linda Gumhold

  My deepest condolences. I consider myself lucky to have met him and to have enjoyed his company during some of the group outings we went on. He was a very special person and I will miss him.

• 

  January 06, 2025

  Nan Bogue

  I invited Mark to be on the Historic Madison, Inc. board several years ago, and he was most recently the vice president. We were so lucky to have him - enthusiastic, knowledgeable, intelligent and kind. It was an honor to know him, and we will plant some trees in his memory. Nan Bogue on behalf of Historic Madison, Inc.

• 

  January 06, 2025

  Dawn V. Cieszynski

  Mark~ I loved you with all of my heart and soul. You were 1 in a million. Thank you for the 8.75 years we were together. You made every day SO much better. ❤️❤️❤️

• 

  January 06, 2025

  Barbara K Chapin

  The times I spent with Mark were both interesting and fun! Even though I was a friend of his parents, he was delightfully engaged in conversation with us. Truly a unique soul, who will be missed by many. Rest in Peace, Mark.

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  January 06, 2025

  Karen Valikonis

  What a beautiful tribute to your beautiful son, may he rest in peace. Much love, Karen Valikonis