Mark Howard Schoenfeldt

Mark was born on August 12, 1961, the third son of Al and Gloria (Schneider) Schoenfeldt. He lived a humble life of strength and resilience, as Mark overcame many struggles throughout his years on earth. In his younger years, Mark was an avid swimmer, earning himself the nickname "Mark the Shark", a name he was proud of. He attended Wyoming Tech and was a talented car painter and detailer. His love for automotives stuck with him throughout his life, as he enjoyed wrenching on vehicles, putting together countless intricate model cars, and even dozens of car-themed jigsaw puzzles. Mark was often known to give auto advice to his family and friends. He also loved fishing, camping, and anything outdoors. He loves music, especially the band RUSH, and was the best air-drummer you would ever meet. Mark lived in several states, including Illinois, Wyoming, and Texas. In the late 80s, while in Texas, Mark endured the loss of his brother Steve to a severe car accident, which had a huge impact on the rest of his life. Following his brother's death, Mark relocated to Wisconsin. Here he met Wendi and her three children Christopher, Alissa, and Adam, whom he loved like his very own. Mark and Wendi married and added another baby to the family, his beloved daughter, Emily. She was the true light of his life. Ultimately, Mark and Wendi divorced and Mark spent many years battling severe alcoholism. It was in the midst of this that Mark suffered another great loss when his 17 year-old step-son Adam was tragically killed in a car crash. During those years, Mark lost touch with many of his family and friends. But in 2015, Mark had an eye-opening experience when he received his third citation for DUI. It was at this point when Mark decided he wanted better for himself, for his life, and for his family. Mark stopped drinking and never looked back. He dedicated himself to his sobriety, recognizing that being sober would be his saving grace. He reconnected with many people he had pushed away for so long. He spent time repairing those broken bridges; spent time mending relationships and making up for lost years. He loved on his grandchildren. He became good friends with his former wife. Then in 2017, Mark was diagnosed with stage 4 small cell lung cancer. He handled it with strength and grace. He fought his way through that grim prognosis while maintaining his sobriety. He was resilient and he was thriving. It was at a follow up scan for lung cancer earlier this year when his oncologist saw a new development. On July 7, Mark was handed an entirely new challenge: stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He was so hopeful and felt prepared to fight again. It came on out of nowhere, so fast and aggressive, the way pancreatic cancer often does. He wanted so badly to stay here and enjoy more time, more of the life he had created for himself. But this fight proved to be Mark's toughest one yet, and his body gave out on him in the early morning hours of November 16, 2020. He was only 59 years old. He passed in his home, surrounded by his children and former wife. The most important lesson Mark's life has taught us is that it is never too late to turn your life around; to make changes and make amends. We all endure hard times, so forgive easily and support each other, because we just never know what the next day will bring. If Mark hadn't made his sobriety a priority, we may never have had the past five years to enjoy with him. We are so thankful that he chose to improve for himself. Mark is survived by his daughter Emily (Andrew) Morrison; step-son Christopher (Crissy) Sharon; step-daughter Alissa (Jay) Kochaver; grandchildren Rufus and Macie Morrison; Brandy (Jeremy and son Noah), Corey (Ashley), Olivia, Eric, MacKenzie, and Alice Sharon; Justin, Madison, Eduardo, Kaleb, and Avery Kochaver; his former wife Wendi; and many friends whom Mark considered family. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, David (before Mark was born) and Steve in 1988; and his step-son Adam in 2002. In light of COVID, we will not be able to hold a gathering in honor of Mark at this time, but we will hold a celebration of his life at a later date. Our family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Raftery and her team at ProHealth in Pewaukee. Also, a very heart-felt thank you to Horizon Hospice, especially nurses Karen and Paula, who provided outstanding care to our dad and to us in his final hours.