Mark J. Bischel

Mark J. Bischel, 80, of Bloomer, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026, surrounded by family, on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Mark was born on April 25, 1945, to Leo and Lucy (Ruff) Bischel and was raised on the Evergreen Stock Farm, alongside his five older brothers and younger sister. From an early age, he learned the enduring values of hard work and family. He attended St. Paul's Catholic Grade School and was a proud member of the graduating Class of 1963 at McDonell Central Catholic High School in Chippewa Falls. He went on to graduate from the Dunwoody Industrial Institute's Sheet Metal program in Minneapolis in 1966, beginning his career in HVAC.

Mark spent the early years of his career in the Twin Cities. His trips back and forth to Bloomer changed his life in the best way possible. Patricia "Trish" Marek, also from Bloomer, was a student at the Ancker School of Nursing in St. Paul. She ended up carpooling with Mark, and the rest is history. Mark and Trish were married on September 5, 1970. A few years later, they returned to Bloomer, where they remained and built their life together.

Mark loved to travel. Whether answering the call of the mountains, escaping to warmer destinations during Wisconsin winters, or visiting children and grandchildren, he found great joy in exploring - often alongside Trish, his siblings, and their spouses. Among the places dear to him was Medjugorje, where his devotion for Our Blessed Mother took deep root. He prayed and led countless rosaries in the latter half of his life and in dedicated service to others.

If any of his daughters, sons-in-law, or grandchildren needed him, he would often drop everything and head their way, bringing along "Grampa's Medicine Bag," filled with carefully selected treats-making sure he had just the right "medicine" for any ailment. He was quick to laugh and blessed with an unending supply of stories. His steadfast love for God and family will always be cherished.

Mark is survived by his beautiful wife of 55 years, Patricia; daughters, Carrie (Joel) Jensen, Jennifer (Robert) Hornacek, and Claire (Brian) Moore; sixteen grandchildren of whom he thought the world - Noah, Jonathan, Julia, Marcus, Eliana, Daniel, Jonah, John, Lucia, Lillian, Charles, Madelyn, Cora, Kolbe, Kateri, and Elise. He is also survived by his brothers, Harold (Sharon), William, and Thomas; brother-in-law, Larry Rakunas; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Daniel, Peter, Mary, and infant twin brothers; and sisters-in-law, Kathryn, Janice, and Carol.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Bloomer with Father Victor Feltes celebrating the mass. Burial will follow the mass at St. Paul's North Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday, from 4-7 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home in Bloomer where at Christian Vigil Service & recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. to conclude the evening visitation. There will be no visitation Tuesday prior to mass.

Thompson Funeral Home & Chippewa Valley Cremation Services in Bloomer is serving the family.