Mark Jerome Wisnewski

Mark Jerome Wisnewski, age 77, Athens, died Friday, May 10, 2013 at his home peacefully and surrounded by family. Mark was born on his family's farm in Poniatowski on April 25, 1936, the eighth child of twelve to the late John and Josephine (Nowacki) Wisnewski. After a long relationship, he married Carol Hart on December 16, 1988 in Wausau. Mark often said that being with Carol was the best thing he ever did. Nobody could argue with this after seeing how Carol took care of Mark with love and patience as he suffered with the lung cancer that eventually took his life. In his younger days, Mark was a powerful man with a reputation of being a very hard worker. Mark grew up on his family farm and then joined the Army when he turned 18. He served two years in the Army, stationed in Germany as a Combat Engineer, specializing with explosives. After military service, Mark worked concrete construction for S.D. Ellenbecker until he retired. Mark took great pride in his work, laying block as fast as two workers, and often staying hours after co-workers had left for the day to make sure the concrete they poured was perfect. Mark enjoyed deer hunting, fishing and cooking. He was proud of his large weedless garden that he worked with Carol on their hobby farm. Family and friends will miss Mark's impersonations and repeated stories about his hunting and fishing exploits, or his bouncing days in a Rib Falls bar that would keep us laughing until our sides hurt, while drinking Pabst Blue Ribbon. Mark is survived by his wife, Carol, their daughter, Cindy (Steve) Wheatley, Athens, and three grandchildren; Tracy, Justin and Nathan Wheatley. He is also survived by his children from his first marriage; Dale (Sue) Wisnewski, Wausau, Scott Wisnewski, Athens, Kim (Larry) Althoff, Wausau, and Heidi (Randy) Adamski, Hatley, along with 12 grandchildren, Dustin Spatz, Brian and Christopher Wisnewski, Jason (Lindley) Wisnewski, Jessi (Ryan) Frahm, Eric Wisnewski, Amanda Bullman, Heather (Bruce) Van Sleet, Brad Althoff, Brittany Althoff, Kyle and Kody Adamski, and 11 great-grandchildren. Surviving siblings are Viola (Ken) Thompson, Wausau, Arthur Wisnewski, Edgar, Elmer (Barb) Wisnewski, Rhinelander, and Joan (Durand) Bosar, Rosenberg, Texas; and sister-in-law, Jean Wisnewski. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by 4 brothers, Richard, David, Robert (Mary Lou), and Gerald, 3 sisters, Florence (Ed) Szymanski, Adeline (Jim) Strand, and Leona (Richard) McJimsey, a sister-in-law, Bernice Wisnewski, a son, Ricky Wisnewski, and infant sons Joseph Wisnewski and Darrell Hart. The funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 18, 2013 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. The Rev. Charles Hiebl will preside. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Athens, where full military honors will be performed by the American Legion Chapman-Belter Post No. 4, Athens. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services all at the church. The family would like to express a thank you to all of Mark's friends and the community for their help and support over the last few years, with a special thank you to David Redmann who eased Mark's passing by being a dedicated friend and neighbor. Also a thank you to Ministry Home Care Hospice for their support and compassionate care. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com