Mark James Splaine, Jr.

Mark James Splaine, Jr. went to be with the Lord at age 84 on September 9th, 2013 surrounded by his family. He is survived by his son Michael (Donna) and daughter Mary (Todd) and four grandchildren Stephanie, Mindy, John Patrick and Danielle. He is predeceased by his wife Sharon who went to be with the Lord on April 21, 1997. Mark was born on March 7th, 1929 to his parents Mark Splaine, Sr. and Esther Hamler in Wausau, Wisconsin. He attended Wausau High School and went on to graduate from UW Madison where he met his lovely wife Sharon Onstad. Mark and Sharon were married on August 18th, 1950. Mark lived in Appleton with his wife and two children followed by a move to Thiensville, Mequon, and then settling in Grafton. He spent the later of his years moving to the family lake home in Waupaca, Wisconsin enjoying his favorite views of Columbia Lake. Mark was an entrepreneur to say the least. Many of his credits include starting his own investment firm Splaine and Frederick, acting as president of Metalfab Corporation in Beaver dam, and being one of the owners of Melody Top theatre. Music played an important role in Mark’s life. Playing the bass with a swing band, the Top Hatter’s, in both high school and college, Mark traveled and brought joy to the ears of many. You could often also find him on the dance floor, showing off his jitterbug, and other amazing dance moves. Mark had a beautiful voice that added great depth to any harmony. Athletics has also been a big part of Mark’s life starting with a win at the Wausau Soapbox Derby at age 10 and went to the National Soapbox Derby as the youngest competitor. Mark went on to play many sports including tennis and baseball. He was drafted by the New York Yankees but unfortunately broke his kneecap during his final college game. Mark lived a very active life including great times skiing the Colorado mountains and soaking up the sun on the beach in Siesta Key with his family. Mark had a great love for his heavenly Father, for his family and friends in his life, and never once held back from being generous and caring for those around him. He was loved by everyone who met him- always greeting them with an incredible smile, intelligent advice when needed, and a much loved-sense of humor. Mark was an incredibly loving father, grandfather and friend. He will be missed deeply. A memorial service to celebrate Mark’s life will be held at Eastbrook Church 5385 N. Green Bay Ave Milwaukee, WI on Saturday, September 14th. Visitation will take place at noon, with a service to follow at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity or organization of your choice in honor of Mark’s endless generosity.