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Mark Cradler Obituary

Cradler, Mark Calvin Age 61. February 11, 2011, after a long illness. Private ceremony. B.Sci., University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Geologist, artisan, and sailor. Here's to fair winds and calm seas, dear brother, as you head for home port. Much Love, Mike and Ann, Fred and Sheilah

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from Feb. 23 to Feb. 24, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Mark Cradler

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Doug Pierce

February 18, 2020

Its said a friend dies twice. the second time is when the last person says your name...
I say it out loud as often as my memories permit. RIP Mark Cradler.

Rebecca Pakowsky

March 26, 2012

For Mark, written April 2011

Not everyone can find a person they share their birthday with at four years old, but I did. Every year for 17 years of my life I shared my birthday with Mark Cradler on November 21, and it was always a great day.

If I could tell you what Mark meant to Veronica, Jillian, Mackenzie and me, I would say he was the most dependable, polite, loving and high-spirited grandfather we could have asked for. Mark took care of us during our innocents and delicate childhood and showed us the right path in life.

All the time we spent in Mark's van, literally taxing us around to the ice skating rinks, swimming pools and to school, we never took any of that for granted. Mark was there for all of us when we needed him the most, and there will not be a time in my life when I will not miss him.

He was a huge part of our community that is Bartlett Avenue. We are a family and we stand together through anything. We will all miss him dearly!

Rebecca Pakowsky

February 27, 2012

Entre #2 ; Mark was a Jack-of-many-trades. And he was very humble about his many skills. When we would consider a project together, he would tell me of his experience and thoughts, as I would share my own. Together we would come-up with a plan as to how to proceed.
Before Mark's agonizing repiratory-distess, he helped for several years, outside my home, going up and down in the ravine near here.
As his lungs declined, he often spent time here, outside, simply contemplating the beauty of the ravine and all that he had worked-on-here.
more to come ...

Steve Ulrich

February 23, 2012

Perhaps I am the last, of so many fine people, who have met Mark. We met ten years ago when he helped my father and step-mother reorganize their home. They said that he was a very fine man and a very fine worker. In the next ten years he visited me often and helped me with very many projects. He also became a wonderful friend of mine, a confidante, a colleague. I'll write more, after I read all of your many loving messages above .. .

Debra Salvo

May 16, 2011

I met Mark not too long after I met Pat, probably 30-some years ago. To me, Pat and Mark have always been "a couple" -- however, that's not how they saw each other apparently. As years passed and their respective lives played out, Mark and Pat were always together in one form or another. I know their relationship was deep and strong, and I love them both. Sorry, Crabby Cradler, that you had to leave us so soon. You always were such a contrary fellow, but that was part of your special charm. See you when I get there.
/debra

d p

May 14, 2011

I've been feeling this way all along... I still can't believe your gone.

emily keelty

May 3, 2011

A prayer for our friend Mark whose heart & caring were a gift to this world:

May the nourishment of the earth be yours, and the clarity of light, both here & beyond.
May the fluency of waters, wherever they flow, be yours as well.
And also the protection of the ancestors.
And so may a slow wind work these words of love around you, an invisible cloak to mind your journey home.

Emily & Bill

sharlene hill

April 15, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Ellen Dettwiler

April 5, 2011

Dear Mark, Dan and I so miss you. The chair was full of snow as we waited for Spring so you could visit again. But you went on before the Spring came. We had so many good times -- when you helped us fix up the old place on the East Side, rock collecting on the beaches. Each day as I walk down the stairs, I think of you as I have the banister you added to support me smoothly. We miss your insight and the many laughs we had. Good by, Mark.

Ellen and Dan

Bev

April 1, 2011

Farewell dear Mark,
Although our paths rarely crossed in recent years, I still counted you as a friend and knew I could call on you if needed. I smile when I think of the Cramer Street house and our favorite roommate 'Crabby Cradler' who always had a comforting word or funny phrase at just the right time. It was as good as it can be!
Peace on your journey old friend~
Love & light, Bev

Laura Rubin

March 21, 2011

I'm very sad every time I drive by your East Ramsey address and realize that you aren't there. As the James Taylor song goes....fire and rain...I always thought I'd see you again.

Roberta Forman

March 18, 2011

Mark. We know you as a gentle soul and a quick wit. You are always the Good Man model for Veronica, a unique gift from you to last her a lifetime. Your knowledge of rocks, your passion for history..truly symbolize you and the life you lived: durable, earthy, supportive, comfortable to just be around. I thank you for sharing your strength. With love.

Sue Cottrell

March 12, 2011

Mark, Mark, Mark, Although we didn't always see eye to eye, as Veronica's godparents I've admired and envied so your unquestionable loyalty and love for her. I've learned from you Mark and you continue to live on in many lives. Thanks for never holding grudges, always welcoming me back. As one old scorpio to another, I celebrate your new life in the Oneness of well deserved peace, with love

Sue Cottrell

March 12, 2011

Mark, Mark, Mark, Though we didn't always see eye to eye, as Veronica's godparents I've always admired and envied your unquestionable love and loyalty for her. I've learned from you and you continue to live on here in many lives. I thank you for never holding grudges, always welcoming me back. As one old scorpio to another, I celebrate your new life in the Oneness of well deserved peace, with love

Sheri Luhm

March 11, 2011

Mark, I'm missing you!! Thanks for being a true friend who freely gave love and support to me and my family. You knew just how to do it and when to be there for us. I hold the utmost respect to you for your continuous love and care for our dear Veronica and Pat. I honor the time spent together at Lost Lake, Harrington beach, Ottawa, parties at Pat's and gatherings at our house. You knew how to make me laugh Mark, my pal. I hold you up dear friend.

March 6, 2011

Mark was grumpy at times. We enjoyed listening to his information about rocks.
He really cared about Veronica and Pat.
Mark willbe missed.

Maria and Brian

Lynn L

March 2, 2011

Mark walked softly on this earth, more comfortable with his rocks and arrowheads. He opened his heart to Veronica and Pat. He loved them so, and was willing to live that out with GREAT HEART and kindness, always.

Katie Maloney

March 1, 2011

Dear Mark,
I will sorely miss your wicked sense of humor, your scrappy courage in the face of terrible adversity and your tenacious, irascible spirit.

Recently, someone called you the sweetest grumpy man she had ever known. So funny and so true! But what a good heart you shared with all of us.

I think of you now surrounded by the natural world you loved, perhaps a bottle of beer in hand, having a good laugh at all of us who continue.

Your voice may be still but the memory of it will linger long. Safe passage and fair weather always,
Katie

Doug Pierce

February 28, 2011

We walked together over the bridge of time awed at the undercurrent of life rushing beneath us. We laughed as much then as I will weep now, remembering you, on my last few steps before reaching the other side.
To all the brothers and sisters of my days gone by,... Peace, & take care...

gary seidenkranz

February 27, 2011

A great friend....adios.

Russ & Ann Sommer

February 27, 2011

Mark was a lifetime friend- and we will cherish all our memories. He will be greatly missed. -Russ & Ann, Amy,Andrea, & Tony.

Gerard OConnor

February 27, 2011

Mark, I will miss your straight talk. You did not believe in (BSing) around a topic that I value in a good friend.

David/Patty Biel

February 27, 2011

Mark will be missed by both of us .We enjoyed his jokes and his storytelling and his unique taste in movies .

Patrice O'Neill

February 27, 2011

Mark

You were a rare person who mastered the human art of giving his heart away; a gift to us.

We will always love you. You have been so much; a devoted father and teacher to Veronica, and to me a lover, teacher, brother and loyal friend. Thank you for choosing to be in our lives to grow together. God bless you forever.

Pat

Rocky Pranger

February 25, 2011

My dear friend Mark! To say that you're already missed is an understatement! But when we were together we shared some great moments which are memories I shall always keep close to my heart! We never ran out of anything to say! You accomplished so much in your short life & I know I, and others, are very proud of you! The only solace I have is that you are pain free now! But you never complained - just took your illness in stride - an inspiration for me! We weren't just special friends - but we were the "Fulton House Family"! I can see you now with a lopsided grin as you think back to those days! Never far from my heart & soul! Love you! xoxox

Judy Cooper

February 25, 2011

Sometimes one is "born" into a family, but sometimes one "chooses" a family. Dear brother Mark, sleep in heavenly peace. So many smiling memories. love, Judy Cooper

Rocky Pranger

February 25, 2011

Mark - I know that you're free now - no more suffering! You were my first true love & we've reamained friends throughout the years! You handled your illness without complaining & did as much as you could possibly do! I will always have our memories for which there were many & last time I saw you - you weighed more than you had ever weighed in your life! Miss you already! God continue to bless & keep you!

Always and forever my friend!

Love, Rocky
xoxoxo

John Cradler

February 23, 2011

God speed, Uncle Mark. Love, John

Phyllis Harvey

February 23, 2011

Mark was a good friend and I will miss being able to talk with him.
Phyllis

David Cradler

February 23, 2011

Rest in peace, Uncle Mark. Love, David.

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