Mark Alan Countney

Mark Alan Countney—warmly regarded as M.A.C., “The Count,” and “2 Dogs”—age 76, of Appleton, Wisconsin, was welcomed home by the Lord on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. He passed peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, following a year-long journey with multiple chronic health conditions.

Mark was born on April 21, 1949, in Menasha, Wisconsin, to the late Ned and Myrtle (Demeny) Countney. Two years later, the family—excluding his oldest stepsister, Barb—moved to a farm in Shiocton, Wisconsin. Mark attended a one-room country school and later graduated from Shiocton High School. After graduation, he was drafted into the Vietnam War, where he proudly served his country and chose to extend his tour of duty.

On Valentine’s Day in 1972, Mark met the love of his life, Victoria (Griesbach), on a blind date arranged by a close mutual friend. They married 18 months later and shared 52 wonderful years together. Also in 1972, Mark began his lifelong career with Kimberly-Clark, where he worked faithfully until retiring at the young age of 55.

Mark had a gift for bringing joy and laughter into every situation, making people feel comfortable, valued, and cared for. He was a servant at heart, always ready to lend a helping hand. He enjoyed attending auctions, hosting rummage sales, searching for hidden treasures at secondhand stores, tinkering in the garage, and spending time at WIR cheering on his favorite racer—his great-nephew, Grant. He proudly shared these passions, along with his well-known collecting habits, with his family, especially his grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Mark was preceded in death by his stepsister, Barb Holzman; brother, Jim Countney; father and mother-in-law, LeRoy and Joyce (Shaw) Griesbach; brothers-in-law, Louis Torres, Don Morack, Dennis Griesbach, Mike Griesbach, and Greg Griesbach; sisters-in-law, Gloria Griesbach, Donna Griesbach Fox, and Debbie Kettner; and son-in-law, Jake Londre.

He is survived by his loving wife, Vicky; his children, Heidi Specht (Rooney), Ron Countney (Erin), and Kristy Maxwell (Clint); his grandchildren, Jacob, Marissa, Eli, Walker, Tyler, Matthew, Cailee, and Christen; his siblings, as he lovingly called them: Paul (Debbie) Countney, Patty Torres, Bill (Nancy) Countney, Susan Morack, Mary (Jim) Netzler, Kathy (Don) Behnke, and Chuck (Barb) Countney; his in-laws, Tasha Griesbach, Barb Griesbach, Paul Kettner, Jeff (Joan) Griesbach, Mary (Ron) Meverden, Pat (Lori) Griesbach, Bob Griesbach, and LeAnn (Keith) Lenzner; along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 30, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Parish, 312 S. State Street, Appleton. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m., with a celebration of life to be held afterward at a nearby establishment. Memorial contributions may be made to Fox Valley Veterans Council in Mark’s memory.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the many compassionate doctors and nurses at Ascension St. Elizabeth’s Hospital—especially those in oncology, including Dr. Sara, and nurses Mindy and Tami—as well as to Compassus nurses Matt and Liz, for their exceptional care and support.

Above all else, Mark cherished his time with family and friends. He rarely said no, even when it meant stepping outside his comfort zone. He lived with mercy and grace, never holding a grudge, and always placing the needs of others before his own. Mark was a true role model, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know and love him.

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust,

My remains will be blessed - that is a must!

Remember this: my spirit is near,

Walking with you, in love and cheer.

I’m right beside you, and in your heart,

In happy memories, where we’ll never part.

So dry your tears, no need for pain,

For joy and peace, are what remain.

I’m free, I’m whole, I laugh, I sing,

unburdened now, by everything.

I’m safely home, where love has soared,

reunited with those, home with the Lord.

For heaven is real, this I’ve surmount,

here I’ll be waiting, love “The Count”.