Mark Mracek

Mark Mracek, age 57, of Decorah, IA, passed away unexpectedly from an apparent heart attack while doing what he loved at his farm.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, August 19, 2024, at Decorah Lutheran Church, 309 Winnebago Street, Decorah, IA. Following the service there will be a reception and celebration of Mark's life at the Oneota Country Club – 1714 Golf Rd. Decorah, IA.
A visitation will be held from 2:00 – 6:00 P.M., Sunday, August 18, 2024, at Decorah Lutheran Church, 309 Winnebago Street, Decorah, IA. There will be no visitation prior to the service on Monday morning. Attendees are asked to please come in and be seated.
The service will be livestreamed at the following link: https://youtube.com/live/Mk37dhg2MlY?feature=share
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the family in memory of Mark.
Mark Herman Mracek was born on September 8, 1966, to Reuben and Eleanor (Kriener) Mracek of Protivin, Iowa. He was the youngest of six children; Gary, Kevin, Kenny, Mary and Ann. Mark attended Rudolphinium Grade School in Protivin and graduated from Crestwood High School in 1985. He graduated with a plumbing degree from Northeast Iowa Technical Institute in 1988. Mark's love of farming began on his family's dairy farm west of Protivin, where he milked cows and worked the fields. He later moved to Decorah to work for Mracek Plumbing, Heating & Electric, and he continued to work and thrive until the present.
Mark met Sheila, the love of his life, in high school. They shared a love that surpasses time and place with a bond that can never be broken. They were blessed with a daughter, Ashley, and two sons Josh and Jared, who he was so proud of and loved beyond measure.
Mark loved sports, and in his younger years, there were few nights you couldn't find him at the softball field. He took the opportunity to golf any chance he could. He was a diehard Hawkeye and Viking fan, even when they sucked. He loved to play cards with friends and especially cherished time with his family. Above all of this, his favorite thing was to be at home with Sheila, cooking good food, riding on the Ranger with the dogs, taking care of his cattle, and enjoying the life they built together. An added bonus was when any of their kids or grandkids would pop in to spend time with them (which was a lot).
Mark took pride in his work and helped others without hesitation. He cherished every day at work, and considered the guys in the shop his brothers. Because of his large circle of customers, who quickly became his friends, Mark always knew someone everywhere he went.
Mark made any occasion fun. He had the most infectious laugh and could light up any room with his smile. He truly loved every day and never had a negative thing to say. Mark made life feel easy to whoever he was with and was quick to give approval with his classic thumbs-up. He was the first one to cry when his team won a big game, when someone was inducted into the hall of fame, or if the cattle sold high!
Mark was a shining example of how to be grateful for all things, both big and small. He always appreciated a good meal, an afternoon spent with family, or an ice cold beer after unloading hay on a hot day. Every day of his life was better than the day before. If we all could live a little more like Mark, this world would be a better place.
Mark is survived by his wife Sheila, daughter Ashley Headington (Curt), sons Josh Carolan (Anna) and Jared Carolan; grandchildren Addyson Albertson, Aunicah Headington, Bowen and Beckett Carolan; brothers Gary Mracek (Dana), Kevin Mracek (Cheryl), Kenny Mracek; sisters Mary Schoborg (Mark), Ann Langlinais (Steve). Mark is also survived by his parents-in-law John and Carol Hove, sister-in-law Shelly Hove (Marty); many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents Reuben and Eleanor Mracek; grandparents William and Rosie Mracek, Peter and Mary Kriener; brother-in-law Kirk Hove; several uncles, aunts and cousins.