Mark Dreifuerst

Mark Dreifuerst returned to the Father on the morning of August 11, 2025, at the age of 69. He was born on December 26, 1955, to his parents, Marv and Mary (Zangl) Dreifuerst, and was the only boy among eight siblings: Jean, Ann, Julie, Mark, Laura, Clare, Jane and Paula. He grew up in Fond du Lac and graduated from Goodrich High School, class of 1974.
On September 26, 1986, Mark married Marcia Schob at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. During their marriage, they were blessed with three children: Marissa Rose (who did not survive at birth) in 1991, Austin in 1994 and Stephen in 1997.
As a husband, Mark logged many miles on his Harley with Marcia riding with friends, visiting different towns and stopping at numerous establishments along the way. As a father, he shared his mechanical skills with his sons and taught them to hunt and fish. Through these years, many a weekend was spent by Marcia and the boys visiting Mark at some out-of-town destination, where he was working at the time. Also, during those years, he got to know his sons' friends, often becoming a friend and mentor to them. Most recently, grandfather Mark, one of his proudest roles, loved spending time with his granddaughters, Lauren and Brooklynn, playing with toys and going on wagon rides.
Mark's love of the water led him to a working career on the Great Lakes. Initially, he worked at Bay Ship in Sturgeon Bay, WI. Later, he would become tug boat captain for Selvic Marine and Roen Salvage. Following his time as captain, he joined the Army Corps of Engineers as a crane operator where he completed his working career. It was through the Corps that he applied his skills in hurricane relief following Irma, Ivan and Katrina, earning numerous medals and awards for his service.
When not working, Mark was an avid outdoorsman. His passions were hunting, fishing and sturgeon spearing. On February 8, 2025, he speared his final and biggest sturgeon weighing in at 118.9 pounds and 76.4 inches, his second sturgeon over 100 pounds. He loved perch fishing, especially through the ice. When it came to deer season, he spent most of his time at his favorite place, his cabin. As is the case with most outdoorsmen, Mark loved his canine companions, Shadow and Cooper. His morning routine was getting up early and running his dogs while enjoying a cup of coffee.
Mark is survived by his wife, Marcia; son, Austin (Aimee, daughters, Lauren and Brooklynn); son, Stephen (Matt); siblings, Ann Cartwright, Julie Unferth, Laura (Larry) Richardson, Clare Ferdinand, Jane (Scott) Leland, Paula (Rod) Marques; mother-in-law, JoAnne Schob; sisters-in-law, Mary (Rodney) Baumann, Lori (Todd) Chadwick, Julie (Jon) Arthur, brother-in-law, Chuck (Ann) Schob; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.
Mark was preceded in death by his daughter, Marissa Rose; his parents; father-in-law, Dale Schob; sister, Jean; brother-in-law, Mark Schob and his wife, Roberta, sister-in-law, Theresa Schob Kulibert, brother-in-law, Gary Cartwright and nephew, Eric Ferdinand.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:45 PM at Holy Family Catholic Church, 271 Fourth St Way, Fond du Lac. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at 1:00 PM.