Mark Albert Staude of Hartland WI, formerly of LaValle, passed away peacefully on February 23, with family by his side, at the age of 75.

Mark was born on January 4, 1951 in Watertown, WI to Clarence and Viola (Kiepert) Staude. As a child he enjoyed fishing on the Rock River and exploring nearby Tivoli Island, sometimes skipping school to do so. He played trombone as a teenager and guitar in a band during his high school years. He graduated from Watertown High School in 1969. After high school, he attended culinary school and was employed as a chef at The Gobbler supper club in Watertown.

In 1972 he was united in marriage to Brenda Reszynski, also of Watertown. They later welcomed five beautiful daughters. Mark and Brenda spent their first years of marriage in the Watertown area, at one point living in an old schoolhouse. In 1978, they moved to the LaValle/Lake Redstone area after purchasing a small farm to raise their expanding family. During their time on the farm, they practiced organic farming, gardening, and raised several animals. Mark especially had a love for dogs as they brought him much comfort during his lifetime. There was never a time when there wasn't a dog or two running around the house. Mark spent many hours on his riding lawn mower, mowing acres of land, even mowing a trail to ride the family go-cart. There were a lot of family kickball and baseball games played in the driveway of the farmhouse.

During his younger years, Mark was an avid water skier, a master at slalom skiing; going boating and swimming on Lake Redstone was a favorite family activity. Mark loved to go fishing, often with daughters in tow, but sometimes spent more time baiting hooks, removing fish, and untangling lines, than catching fish. He was most at peace on the water and enjoyed a good sunset. He loved hunting on the family land and created many good hunting memories with family and friends. Mark was an avid card player, from his younger years playing euchre and sheepshead with other couples, to teaching his children and later grandchildren, and later in life playing with his euchre card group at his assisted living facility. Mark took up motorcycling later in life and enjoyed a good ride in the country alone or with friends.

Mark worked many jobs in life, including working at Chrysler Outdoor Motors, driving milk truck and semi truck, and also working as a cemetery worker, but he spent most of his life working as a real estate broker, which was his passion. He specialized in land sales and loved walking the wooded lots and along the shorelines of lakes. He was a natural salesman.

Mark encountered many struggles in life, but his soul was loving and kind. He will be remembered for his warm smile and great sense of humor, his love of dogs and great love of music. He loved his classic rock and oldies, whether it came from a record playing or on the radio, music was always on. Mark had a knack for storytelling and even though his short-term memory wasn't good late in life, when it came to telling stories of his family and childhood, his memory was quite clear. When he listened to others, he listened with an open and attentive heart. Most of all, he will be remembered for the love and pride of his family, especially his daughters and grandchildren. Many good memories were made during family vacations, holidays, playing games and other family moments. Though he will be deeply missed, his love and pride for his family, and joy in the simple moments of life will live in all of us.

Mark is survived by his children, Kimberly Harris (Barry) of Green Bay, Jaime Jordan (Robert) of Lyndon Station, Melissa Wloszczynski (Brian) of Appleton, Amber Larson (Mike) of LaValle, Jessica Staude (Nick) of St. Paul, MN; grandchildren, Jordan Harris of Green Bay, Brooke Harris of Milwaukee, Isiah Harris of San Marcos, CA, Riley and Remi Jordan, Dylan and Lexi Wloszczynski, Cooper, Charlie, Andi, and Tate Larson, Levi Manor; great-grandchild Adriana Harris; former wife Brenda Staude; sister Mary Jane Fehr of Mesa, AZ; brother Steve Staude (Ruth) of Germantown; brother Craig Staude of MN; sister-in-law Geri Staude of Watertown and many loved cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Clarence Staude; mother Viola Staude, brother Wayne Staude, nephew Ken Staude, niece Janet Staude, as well as many uncles, aunts, grandparents and his many beloved puppy dogs.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Ochsner Park in Baraboo, from 12:00-4:00 PM.