Mark Wisser Obituary

My condolences today. God bless and watch over you all.
Best wishes
Dave Bell
Elgin high classmate

Kate and Family,
While looking over my prior entry, I realized that the one word I really wanted to include in my condolence was the one word that I mistakenly omitted. That word was proud. I was always so proud of Mark, and I was proud to call him my brother. He was so successful and good at everything. I loved to tell my friends about his accomplishments. I will always remember him for all the good things he did in life, and how he shared that with his family.
Sara Harwood

Kate,
I am so sorry for your loss & my thoughts are with you & your children. Your husband sounds like a wonderful person. I have a phrase that someone gave me when we lost my brother, that I find great comfort in, I hope you do too:

"He walks with us down quiet paths, & speaks in wind & rain, for the magic power of memory, gives him back to us again." (author unknown)

I hope you & your children will find comfort in your memories of him.

Dear Kate,

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Keeping you and the family close to my heart and in my prayers.

Love,

Linda and family,
I will always remember Mark from the EHS basketball games in the old EHS gym. He was an animal and we loved him! I am so sorry for your loss.

My brother Mark was truly a gifted person in so many ways. He was a perfect role model to have in my family. We all tried our hardest to follow in Mark's footsteps both academically and competively. I will remember Mark for his intelligence, competiveness (especially during board games), sarcasm, and wittiness, all of which entertained our family during get-togethers. I have always been so of Mark and his accomplishments. I was blessed to have had him as my oldest brother. My sympathy goes out to Kate, Doug, Emily, and all of the Wisser family.

From my earliest memories, the Wisser family and the Strohmaiers were friends; enjoying American Legion picnics and more together. As a second grader, Mark was the tallest and the most animated boy in the class. Many summers were spent hanging around the Little League baseball fields as my brothers competed against the Wisser boys. At Larsen Junior High, the band members had a special bond, thanks to director Mr. Hove; and Mark led the trombone section in their pranks! Mark's leadership continued at Elgin High, into college, and more. I even followed his Courier columns from afar and appreciated Mark's special talents. It's no surprise that Mark was successful in life; and know that his legacy will live on. My deepest sympathy to his family.

For so many who knew Mark, his passing has brought back a flood of memories. Although it was 37 years ago this month, I remember - like it was yesterday - meeting Mark in a political science class our freshmen year. Together, over the next 3 years, we were in student gov't, worked on political campaigns, traveled, followed sports & politics, and, for a year, were roommates in a 1950's "mobile home"... He was the best friend anyone could have had in college....

The many great attributes which Mark exhibited in those years --- especially his intellect & compassion --- carried forward in how he led his life.... Mark was simply a good man.

My thoughts and prayers are with his entire family. For his children -- please know your father touched so many people & will never be forgotten.

Dear Kathy:

Please accept my condolences and prayers. I met Mark at William Mitchell and was impressed by his personal and friendly demeanor. After law school, he was someone I contacted from time to time with questions on cases and appreciated his counsel. He was generous of his time and enjoyed mentoring students. He left too soon and will be missed by many.

Kath:

I send you and your lovely kids my deepest condolences and prayers. Mark was an extraordinary person. It was a privilege to attend William Mitchell College of Law with him and a delight that he ended up marrying you, a brilliant and beautiful friend from our college work days at the Star Tribune. I will miss Mark's wry comments on the state of the law and the world. I am so sorry to have missed the memorial, I would love to be able to give you, your kids and your sister a big hug and let you know that I am thinking of you and your family.
My warmest regards,
Catherine(Steblay) McEnroe

He was a fierce competitor, an unsparing editor, an exacting coach, a tough sounding board. But he was also "modest in victory and gracious in defeat," a gifted writer, a talented athlete who knew how to take two for the team and hit to left, and a wise and thoughtful consigliore.

He was my brother.

He taught me how to hit, how to throw, how to take the extra base, how to stick a (short) jumpshot, how to love a good game. He taught me, too, how to write, how to reason and how to laugh, often at myself or both of us.

We shared many ideas, opinions, thoughts, disagreements and wry laughs.

He was lucky enough to have met a sweet and giving woman who loved him dearly, and to have had two wonderful kids. With them, he saw the world and he saw his own world open up to unlimited possibilities.

My thoughts, and those of our family, are with Kate, Em and Doug.

My thoughts and prayers are with Mark's family and friends. He and I were classmates at Larsen Jr. High and Elgin High. I remember his as a great athlete and someone who kept us laughing. I'm saddened to hear of his passing.

I will miss Uncle Mark and i will keep him and all of you in my prayers.

love Marlin

Dear Linda,

I am so sorry to learn of the passing of your brother. I know you will miss him greatly.

My condolences to the Wisser family. I came to know Mark during his time at the Star Tribune, where I worked in the news department but spent a lot of time working with Mark and the sports folks during the Twins' two World Series titles, the usual Vikings drama and the arrival of the Timberwolves. Mark was an incredibly sharp mind, thoughtful and incisive, with a brilliant wit. He enjoyed sports and enjoyed his work, and made the people around him better at their jobs and better as human beings for his insight. I am honored to have known and worked with him, and truly sorry for your loss, and that he was taken so soon.

To Kathy and Family,
I was so sorry to read of Mark's passing. I had the privilage of coaching Mark in both basketball and baseball when he was a sophomore at Elgin High School. Mark was one of the finest youn men I ever coached. I am not at all surprised at all the success he had in his life time, I would have expected nothing less. Mark will be missed by all of us who knew him.

Dear Kathy and family,
We were saddened to read of the passing of your husband. Your mother thought a lot of him and was happy to have him as a son-in-law. We have not seen much of you in recent years, but will always remember the wonderful times we shared. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.
Gary, Colleen, Bob, Sandy, and Marsha Swenson

Kate, Doug and Emily,
We are so sorry for your loss. You will be in our prayers.

Brenda, Bill and Nate Siems

My brother Mark was brilliant, funny and multi-talented. He had many accomplishments in his too short life but the thing I am most proud of is the job he has done with his children Emily and Doug.

Mark and I were best friends back in the Larsen Jr. High days and we graduated from high school together...I always remember what a great athlete and friend he was. I had
lost contact with him since attending different colleges but often thought about him and am deeply saddened by his
passing...My deepest sympathy to his family.

My family moved to Elgin in the middle of my seventh grade year, to a house about a block from Mark's. I was a little squirt in those days, in a new town and school, and from the beginning Mark looked out for me like an older, and much bigger, brother. We played in the Larsen band together, and in many sandlot football games at Academy Field. He taught me to play baseball when I was continually sent to right field. We sang together in the "Mens" octet during our senior year of high school. We laughed a lot. Mark was one of my lifetime heroes. Still is. The measure of one's success is in his or her friendships. If I make one-quarter of those Mark made, I will consider myself a great success. I will think of you often, my old friend.

I went to school with Mark in Elgin. I remember him well. He was a great sportsman and had many friends. Deeply sorry to hear of your loss.
Dave Bell, Dubai, UAE

My deepest sympathy to the Wisser family. I was a college colleague of Mark's on the Eastern News and graduated along with Mark in 1976. I kept in touch with him sporadically when he was working in Chicago. I regret not keeping in touch longer. He was a great guy and a lot of fun to work with and share a beer. Reading his obituary, it's obvious that he lived a full life. I feel fortunate to have known him in my lifetime. God bless all of you.

Kate, so sorry for you and your children. Be good to yourself, sweetie. Hugs.

I had the privilege of working with Mark for the last 9 years. Mark was one of the smartest guys I know. He was a good friend; always willing to listen. He was a brilliant writer and had a great understanding of the law. Not a particularly good golfer, though. I miss him.

Our thoughts, prayers and condolences are with all of the Wisser family and extended family. To have known him is to have loved him - unfortunately, we were only able to know him for such a short time. The memorial fund to support youth baseball says more about him than any words we can write.

We are unfortunately out of town right now, but know that we want you to lean on us as we want to help in any way that we can.

Love Carrie, Tom, Tyler & the rest of the Pomeroy family

Kate, your magazine board is here for you. We mourne your loss. Stacie Saunders

All of you are in my prayers! I remember Mark as a child and I attended school with his sister Sara.May all the wonderful memories comfort you in your time of sorrow.

To the Wisser family and friends I want to express my sympathy and offer all my support. Kathy and I have been friends since Grade 5. I have known Mark since their courtship. I am truly saddened by his premature passing, but am enriched for having known him.

Grew up with Mark! Played on the same teams, now and then against each other. Always considered him a friend. I still remember his laugh. Much to big a laugh for a kid that age. Last time we faced each other he hit a home run off me, I told next time to "come up duckin'". I moved after that summer, saw Mark only once after that. At the Village Squire in Dundee along with a bunch of other old friends. It had been 5-6 years since I had seen him. He was suprised that I had grown to his size. He laughed when he saw me and asked if I was going to knock him down. I told him only if he crowded the plate! We both laughed. That laugh that was still to big, even for a guy his size. Bless you and your family Mark!

Kate,Emily and Doug,

I am truly saddend by your profound loss, make you take comfort in the memories you have and hold on to them always.

My most Sincere Sympathy
Michele Langer

Our hearts are with you Kate and family. The 13AA little league team experiance was one of the most memorable times in our sons life, and ours as well. The time Mark gave to the boys and familys was a gift, that touched all of our lives. We are forever greatful, for the coach, mentor, and freind he was.
Linda , Vern, and Jack Healy family

Even though we only knew him briefly, our family is privileged to share in Mark's life through his amazing daughter, Emily. His intelligent wit, sense of humor, and commitment to family are an evident and lasting legacy in his children.

Kate, Emily, and Doug, we are sorry for your immeasurable loss. Please know that our hearts are with you.

With care,

The Griebel Family (Mark, Kathy, Scott, Hannah, Sam, and Tarikua)

We were very young together Mark was like a big brother when we met in church as teenagers. We were confirmed together and sure played a lot of ball together from hoops to hard ball. The news of your death is hard but knowing where your at now is nice my brother I'll see you again. You could never hit my curveball anyway. Love you.

I'm saddened to learn of Mark's passing. I lived just a few houses away from the Wisser family in Elgin. Mark was close friends with my brother Mike, and I was friends with and went to school with both Sara and Jeff. I remember Mark as a talented baseball player and a very intelligent person with a good sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers are with Mark's wife and children and entire Wisser family. I have a lot of fond memories of the days on Jefferson Ave. and Center St. across the street from St. Joe's Hospital.

As a college friend of Jeff Wisser's wife, Sue, I have been priviledged to also form a friendship with Jeff over the years. Unfortunately, I never knew Mark; however, I am extremely touched reading about his life. Even though Mark has been taken from this earth too early, he has positively affected other lives which is an achievement that others also hope for in their lifetime. His life is an inspiration! I see many similar traits in Jeff: wit, passion for what is right, and love and concern for his family and friends. I can only imagine what family get-togethers were like!! My deepest sympathies to Jeff and his family. Take comfort in the beautiful memories that will have everyone smiling through the tears.

Mark and I were classmates at Eastern Illinois University, and I marveled then at how versatile and talented he was. I knew him first as the student announcer of EIU football games, then as student body president and later as a fellow journalist on the college newspaper.
We once camped for a week in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, and I remember how quickly he adapted to the rigors of wilderness camping.
I regret that I lost touch with him over the years and that he passed on so soon, before we could reconnect. He was truly a great guy who made a large and positive impression in everything he did.
My sincerest sympathies to his family and others who were close to him.

Our deepest sympathy to your family.
You are all in our prayers.

Linda & Tom Wrzos and Ray Wrzos

Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of Mark . My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

BETTYE WALKUP
Dallas, TX

I met Mark through Kate. Formerly a New Yorker I moved to MN in 1985 and Kate was the first friend I met and soon became one of my very best friends. When I first met Mark I thought "leave it to Kate to find the strong, smart, successful, responsible type" . He was such great guy with a strong persona and a very quick wit. I liked him immediately. My husband (Steve) and I always enjoyed getting together with Mark and Kate, having dinner, a few cocktails, etc. We visited them at their cabin and I will never forget the boat ride around the lake and playing ball with their kids that day. Kids who are now young adults. Where has the time gone? Mark will truly be missed and I guess God must have needed a fabulous attorney to play on his "field of dreams" in heaven!

I met Mark at EIU. We lived in the same dorm for a couple of years. We used to call him bruiser because he was bigger than most of us. I spend many nites playing cards and partying with Mark. He taught me that "intelligence and reason will overcome superstition and ignorance". I used that motto on all of my kids while they were growing up. God Bless you and your family.

Ed Kernbauer, Lockport Il.

I met Mark in college. He was a good guy and fun to hang with. I am pleased but not surprised to see how well he has done professionally and personally.

Our deepest condolences.

We met Mark a few years ago when our sons played baseball together. We instantly found a man who was very caring about the boys and just had a passion for baseball. Doug and Kevin have played on teams several times since and on every team Mark's caring not only for the play of Doug but that of every player was very evident. We will always remember that passion that he carried not only for baseball but for life.
To Kate, Emily, and Doug you will be in our thoughts and please know that we will be there for you if there is anything you ever need.

Dave, Betty, Kevin, and Steve Kepler

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.

It was an honor working with Mark. My deepest condolences to Kate, Doug and Emily.

I met Mark in college. He was the Student Body President of our university and never tired of the political machinations that went along with that position. He was always testing the limits and never willing to just settle for mediocrity. He had a wry sense of humor and a healthy dose of skepticism. I will miss my friend Mark and hope that he is still shaking things up in the great hereafter.

Mark was a very bright, incisive, talented person who was fun to drink beer with and be around. I was close to him in college and have stayed in contact with him through the years. I enjoyed his sense of humor and will miss him greatly.

Those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear.

Mark energized those around him through humor and conviction. He was a person fully engaged in this world, this time, this life and this moment. As a colleague, he will be sorely missed. As a friend, he will missed much more.
My deepest condolences to Kate, Doug and Emily.

We were so sorry to hear the news. Our thoughts and prayers are with Emily and her family.

Hayley Anderson, Steven Anderson and Cindy O'Shaughnessy

At Emily's graduation open house in June, 2008, Mark and I were looking at the pictures of Emily and Doug on the poster board. Mark told me where the pictures had been taken and was a proud and loving father. Both of us commented on how quickly our children grow up.
How wonderful that you have such great memories from the many trips that you took as a family.
We are here to help you with anything that needs to be done.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.