Mark J. Schwalenberg

Mark Joseph Schwalenberg, age 64 of Appleton, Wisconsin passed away on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Cherry Meadows Hospice after a courageous battle with a lengthy illness. Mark was born on June 13, 1960, in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, the son of Roland and Esther (Hennes) Schwalenberg. He was proud of beginning his work life as a mason tender. After various jobs, Mark established himself as a skilled print press operator. In 2014 his health forced him to take early retirement. In retirement, he enjoyed caring for an array of animals on the farmette he shared with his wife, Annette (Thiel) Schwalenberg. He and Annette, his long-time friend and love, were married on December 17, 2005.
Mark was a warm, loving, funny father, husband, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He could always be counted on for a witty remark, and any child he encountered remembers being chased by the "Hatchet Man." Mark enjoyed many outdoor pursuits including hunting and fishing. He was particularly proud of the bucks he had bagged with his bow and how he could fish "until his arm flew off". As a competitive outdoorsman, Mark enjoyed betting on golf holes with his sons and other family members. Mark's competitive nature was apparent playing games of chance whether cards with the family or the slots at a casino. Even as his health declined, Mark was known as a charmer, sweet-talking the medical staff.
Mark is survived by his wife Annette (Thiel) Schwalenberg; sons Eric and Jesse Schwalenberg; stepson Grant (Rachel) Temple; grandchildren Alice Philips and Miles Temple; siblings David (Connie) Schwalenberg, John (Geralyn) Schwalenberg, Charles (Lori), Mary Griffith, Lisa (Dan) Jackson, Thomas (Rocio) Schwalenberg and many nieces and nephews.
Mark is preceded in death by his parents Roland and Esther (Hennes) Schwalenberg and brother Lee Schwalenberg.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to David Schwalenberg, Lisa Jackson, Mary Griffith, Ellen Schroeder, Shawna Schwalenberg, Nichole Leonhardt, and Jason Griffith for taking extra time with Mark in these last weeks. We want to sincerely thank Dr. Merici Awe and her RN Laura; Dr. Reese Cooper, RNs Callie and Brittany of the ThedaCare Regional Medical Center: Appleton emergency department; Jessica and the team at Hometown Pharmacy; ThedaCare at Home hospice team, and the team at Cherry Meadows Hospice.
A celebration of life for Mark Joseph Schwalenberg will be held on Sunday, July 28, 2024 at Van Abel's in Hollandtown starting at 1:00 p.m.
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