Mark L.

Christenson

Mark L. Christenson, age 77, of Lake Mills, Wisconsin, passed away on January 28, 2026, surrounded by those who loved him. Mark was a devoted husband and father, a skilled engineer, and a lifelong farmer whose determination, work ethic, and integrity defined his life.

As a graduate of Big Foot High School, Mark enrolled at the Milwaukee School of Engineering in the fall of 1966. He majored in electrical engineering and graduated in May of 1970. After graduating from MSOE, Mark joined the United States Army National Guard, serving with the 127th Signal Company based in Waukesha. While serving in the Army National Guard, Mark worked in the international communications division of Motorola, applying his engineering expertise in a global setting.

Mark married Dorothy Meyer on December 26, 1970, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in love and family.  Mark and his family moved to Wisconsin and purchased a farm just outside of Lake Mills. He spent several years working at the Horicon John Deere plant while working toward his goal of operating his own dairy farm. Farming soon became his full time occupation, and Mark devoted himself to the land and raising cattle.

In later years, Mark transitioned to raising crops before retiring. His farming legacy continues today, as his grandson now crops the farm fields, carrying on the work and stewardship Mark valued so deeply.

In retirement, Mark enjoyed restoring antique cars and tractors, a hobby that reflected both his mechanical skill and his appreciation for craftsmanship and history. He especially loved driving his restored cars in parades, taking pride in sharing them with the community and bringing joy to others.

Mark was an active member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, and proudly served as a 4-H leader and softball coach.

Above all, Mark was a proud and devoted grandfather. He loved attending his grandchildren's sporting events, cheerleading competitions, and theater performances, rarely missing an opportunity to support them and celebrate their accomplishments.

Mark is survived by his wife, Dorothy Christenson; his sons Jason Christenson (Angela), Bret Christenson (Toni), Seth Christenson, and Troy Christenson (Melissa); his seven grandchildren Mitchell, Abigail, Brenden, Gwendolyn, Logan, Wyatt, and Whitney; and his brother Kenneth Christenson(Pauline) and sister Cindy Dutton(Jeff), sister-in-law Margie Christenson, brother-in-law Jim Ripley and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Kenneth Christenson, his mother Elma Christenson, his brother Everett Christenson, his sister Dixie Ripley and his niece Cory Christenson.

Mark L. Christenson will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for the life he built, the family he raised, and the legacy he leaves behind.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church with visitation next door at the Catechetical Center beginning at 9 a.m. until the time of the service.

www.claussenfuneralhome.com