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Mark Wesselink Obituary
Mark Edward Wesselink passed peacefully in the morning on Saturday, July 20, 2024. Mark left friends and family the gift of appreciation. Each day and each moment he cherished and spent in the present. He rarely dwelled or regretted. He woke up every morning grateful for his life, friends, and family. The way he lived is a masterclass we can all attempt to apply to our own lives if we hope to have even a fraction of the happiness he achieved. Mark was raised in Pella, Iowa, a small Dutch town where he grew up learning to play tennis leading him to an unforgettable career of coaching. After meeting his wife, Shanan, they moved to Richmond, VA, in 1989, and he began a 34-year career at the University of Richmond as the women's tennis coach. Mark was one of the most well-respected and successful coaches in the nation. He amassed 379 wins at U of R, guiding the program to nine conference championship titles and 11 NCAA Tournament appearances. He was an eight-time conference Coach of the Year recipient, posted more than 20 winning seasons, and led the program to eight conference runner-up finishes. But beyond his stats, he served as a life coach and father figure to his players. Mark knew how to win both in life and on the court. Mark's legacy lives on through his wife, Shanan Raines; son, Isaak Wesselink; and daughter, Paige Wesselink.
We will celebrate his life on Sept. 21st at 4 p.m. at the University of Richmond Chapel with reception to follow at the Jepson Alumni Center from 5:30 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Richmond Tennis Association https://richmondtennis.org/donate/ or LACNETS https://www.lacnets.org/donate.
Memories and Condolences
for Mark Wesselink
Ken Hart
September 22, 2024
Mark and I were lunch time weight room buddies for a fair number of years. My one wish for Mark is to make sure you continue with those supersets until till we work out together again! Love you man! PS: don´t worry, no one still knows how old you are!
Sue Van Hemert
August 14, 2024
Mark was my Junior High boy friend. I still have the Friendship ring he gave me. I would hang out and watch him hit a tennis ball against the wall at Lincoln School. We had a telephone romance which was a challenge as in Pella then after 5 minutes you were automatically disconnected. Our romance was brief but he was a sweet boy and after reading the obit he was a stand up adult. My sincere condolences to his family.
Brad Vanwyk
July 31, 2024
I first met Mark when we were probably about 4 years old and we lived briefly in Pella across the street from him and Mark and I decided we were going to build a tunnel from his place to my house so we could see each other all the time but his dad put a stretch to that and then I remember playing Putt-Putt golf inside his house we called it the red and white desert classic up and down stairs and all kinds of things around furniture but I always remember Mark is such a good man a positive influence and always supporting caring just an amazing an amazing friend I will miss him dearly and so will so many others the body dies but the soul lives forever and what a wonderful soul he has peace my brother peace
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Nympha Dalgado and Dr. Shubhro Pa
July 25, 2024
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Don Pate
July 25, 2024
Mark was an outstanding coach, gentleman, and friend. He will be missed-best to his loving family. Dr Don Pate
Steve Tait
July 24, 2024
Mark has been my friend since eighth grade. We had many adventures in that small town. Even then, I admired him for his calm and positive approach to living. We stayed friends for life. He was always a model of perfect equanimity. We followed each other through over fifty years of friendship, when we got together it was as though there was no time passed. He made my life a happier journey. I was blessed to be his friend.
Kim Buerkley
July 24, 2024
I am so very sorry
Thinking of you, Shanan, and your family and sending love and hugs
Barb Stevenson
July 24, 2024
My sincere sympathies to Mark's family and all who knew and loved him.
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