Mark L. Genz

Mark L. Genz, age 53, of Monticello, formerly of Jefferson, passed away at University of  Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, into the arms of his Lord and Savior.

Mark was born on May 25, 1972, in Portage to Nielan and Carol (Mundt) Genz. Mark was baptized on June 2, 1972, at St. John’s, Montello. He was confirmed on April 12, 1989, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Jefferson. Mark graduated from Jefferson High School in 1993 and then worked as a general laborer for most of his life in various positions for Piggly Wiggly, Schiller’s, ETI, Opportunities, Greenco, and MARC Center. Mark was very proud to be a dedicated member of the workforce.

Mark lived an extraordinary life with a list of accomplishments putting doubters to shame. He lived life to the fullest; he loved singing, dancing, any sport, golf, and dartball league. He followed the Milwaukee Brewers and was a devoted Green Bay Packer fan. He enjoyed the annual trips to Brewer games and the Packers training camp to watch his favorite players to include Aaron Rodgers. Mark enjoyed camping trips with his parents as well as attending camp BASIC for over 40 years. He was a dedicated attendee of Jesus Cares in Watertown. Mark was a dedicated member of St. Peter’s Church and proudly served Jesus wherever he had the opportunity to usher.

Mark participated in Special Olympics for over 40 years. Mark participated in running, long-jump, speed walking, basketball, bowling, and golf. For many years, Team Cheese and Golf, (Mark and Harry) were a force to be reckoned with together on the golf course. He was awarded the Male Athlete of the year in 1999 with his proud family watching him give his acceptance speech. The motto of Special Olympics is “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” If the event Mark did not do as well as he would have liked, his motto was “next year”.

Mark was always happy, known for his famous line, “you owe me a soda.” If only we knew how many sodas were owed. People and animals were drawn to his gentle demeanor and loving personality.

Mark is survived by his father, Nielan Genz of Jefferson, brother Paul (Dawn) Genz of Windsor, sisters Ruth (Dennis) Affeld of Juneau and Rebecca (Robert) Blodgett of Monticello. He is also survived by nephews Thomas (Jyssica) Genz and Sean Affeld, nieces Megan (Travis) Banegas, Elizabeth Affeld, and Lindsay Affeld. He is also survived by his great niece Caroline Genz. Mark is further survived by cousins, relatives, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Carol Genz, Aunt Dorene Mundt and his faithful dogs Charlie and Sam.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00PM on Monday, May 11, 2026, at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Helenville with the Rev. Titus Buelow officiating. Burial will follow at St. Peter’s Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:30AM until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Camp BASIC and Jesus Cares in Watertown.

Safe in the arms of Jesus, Safe on his Gentle Breast, There in His arms enfolded, safely my Soul shall rest.

I will miss you for the rest of my life. I love you. ~Sister Becca

Schneider-Michaelis Funeral Home in Jefferson is proudly serving the family.