Mark Solchenberger

Solchenberger, Mark Alan

BLUE MOUNDS – Mark Alan Solchenberger, age 52, died April 8, 2021. He was born July 29, 1968 to Lucille "Toots" (Wirth) and Matt Solchenberger.

Mark was whip smart, with a devilish magnetism and good looks to boot. Part Prince, part James Dean, part Brando; he had a timeless air about him. His sad eyes could charm and disarm you in one breath, and his razor wit could eviscerate you the next. Even when he was by your side, you knew part of him was far away. He never needed to be the life of the party, but he always was. People with his personality and panache often play to the popular crowd, yet Mark never did. He treated everyone equally. He could kick ass if need be, but he was more curious about the dynamics of human nature than in dressing anyone down. He had innate charisma, impeccable style and a swagger that was more posture than bluster. He was a suave SOB, and for a time he defined the very essence of cool.

Mark moved to Minnesota and found success co-owning coffee shops in the Minneapolis area. He had grand ideas and even grander plans and when an opportunity presented itself, he bet it all. Unfortunately, things didn't go his way. He ultimately left Minnesota for Indiana where he worked in real estate for a time before returning to Wisconsin. For many years, he worked at Eggimann Motor and Equipment Sales and was "the most phenomenal parts man they ever had."

Mark found the love of his life in Patricia "Trish" D'Angelo, and they were married on July 4, 1996. They enjoyed 15 years together until Trish lost her two and a half year battle with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma on March 26, 2011. She was 53.

Mark drew outside the lines and never fit into a single box. He was a talented, tortured dreamer; traits that drew people to him yet made him inaccessible. He had his demons, and that darkness was part of his allure and his mystery. Until it wasn't. While health issues and addiction surely played their part, it's safe to say that Mark died of a broken heart. He suffered great loss in his too-short life, and this writer is certain that he was greeted on the other side with many wide-open arms. No doubt there's a party in full swing with great music, abundant laughter, a card game he is winning, and his beloved dog, Eddie, at his feet.

Mark was preceded in death by his wife, Trish; parents, Toots and Matt; sister, Pat; his brother-from-another, Mike Richardson, and numerous loved ones. Survivors include his siblings; Bonnie (Steve) Holmes, Phil (Monica) Solchenberger; Bob (Pat) Messinger; step-son Kevin (Kathryn) Dustin; step-grandson, Jackson; mother-in-law, Patricia Schultz; sister-in-law, Cora Beebe; nieces and nephews, Amy (Dan) Foster, Brian Solchenberger, Emily (Steve) Wickert, Stephanie (Curt) Weier, Brooke (Brent) Running, Tony Messinger, and Tammy Nickol; great-nieces and nephews; Bailey, Brynn, Lennon, Makayla, Kylie, Nicholas, Elle, and Lucille.

We will miss the sound of his laugh, the brilliance of his intellect, and deep discussions about life's possibilities. Mark was cherished and loved, and he will never be forgotten.