Obituary
Mark James Seitz
Mark James Seitz, 52, of Holmen, passed away on Wednesday, July 21, 2021. Mark was born in Natick, MA, and later moved with his family to “the valley” of Phoenix, AZ, where, among other things, he gained a lifelong devotion to Phoenix sports teams. In 1992 Mark’s sister Jennifer introduced him to Carol Miller – his life partner – whom he married on November 2, 1996, in Tempe, AZ.
Mark was a deeply sensitive, sincere, and caring person who provided support to his loved ones and friends, as well as his furry family members – Bodhi, MacAlister, and Luther. They all held special places in Mark’s heart and he devoted what he could to everyone. Mark was always a source of inspiration and encouragement, often prodding people to try new things, or to take the risks they needed, to accomplish their goals.
Mark’s many years of traveling, reading, personal experiences and his deep feelings all contributed to his clever sense of humor and to an incredible creativity that he applied in both his professional and personal life. After finishing a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Public Administration at UWL, Mark completed an Information Communication Technology master’s degree developing talents in videography which he has applied both as a videographer for Viterbo University as well as completing three documentaries and other smaller films (many can be viewed at: https://youtube.com/user/SandPrairieFilms).
While a skilled brewer and carpenter, working on everything from bookcases to cabins, music was Mark’s passion. His favorites were Van Halen and The Beatles, but he had eclectic tastes ranging from big band jazz, 1970s pop to zydeco. Drawing on many inspirations, Mark composed his own music for both guitar and synthesizer, and for the past 10 years was the lead guitarist and vocalist for Gideon’s Radio, a blues/rock band playing throughout the region.
Mark was preceded in death by his brother Bill Seitz, his Grandpap and Gram Dixon, and his Seitz grandparents. He is survived by his wife Carol Miller, sister Jennifer, his parents, Bill and Peggy, nieces Jessica (Jake) and Kaitlyn and nephew, Billy, his aunt Susie Keck (Joe), uncle Bob Dixon (Kim), and many other family members and friends. Mark requested that no ceremony or service be held, but a celebration of life may be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers or memorials, donations may be made in Mark’s honor to the Monroe County Dog Shelter, 14345 County Hwy. B, Suite 5, Sparta, WI 54656, or the Mental Health Coalition of the Greater La Crosse Area, PO Box 3724, La Crosse, WI 54602.
Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.
Love you Sparkle! Rest in Peace.
I’m so sorry to hear this, my heart goes out to you and your family.
I’m sure your brother was excited to see you again.
I will miss so much about Mark (as will so many people here at Viterbo). He could always make me laugh when I most needed it, and he was unfailingly generous with his time and considerable talents. I thought we’d have so much more time together. I pictured him completing his recording studio and having many hours of musical bliss there, letting his creativity run rampant.
It’s worth noting that he served his community on the Holmen Village Board, which is where I first met him. I was a newspaper reporter and he was the young, eloquent, brilliant guy on the board who was always good for a great conversation after a meeting.
He oozed passion, energy, and intellect. He had a sharp wit you wouldn’t want to tangle with, but his easy charm always came across the most.
You are gone too soon, Mark, way too soon.
So sorry to hear about Mark
I enjoyed working with him
He will be missed!
The first time I saw Mark, I was 14, terrified incoming Freshman, waiting for the bus to pick us up for summer band camp. Here comes Mark, bigger than life, smile, and full beard. “How can a boy grow a beard?” this just-out-of-8th grader thought. Rest well, sir. You will be missed.
Mark was a great person. My heart goes out Carol, his family and his band mates In Gideon’s Radio.
Mark had recently asked if I would assist him with the research for his upcoming documentary project. I was excited to work closely with him because of his amazing positivity. He always went out of his way to uplift the spirits of everyone around him.
Every day at work, Mark would walk down the stairs and greet whomever was at the desk with a joke and a smile. He was one of the most enthusiastic, friendly, energetic people I’ve ever known. Work won’t ever be the same without Mark’s uplifting spirit. He was truly one-of-a-kind, and I’m grateful I had the opportunity to know and learn from him.
Mark was such a special man, and a vital member of the Viterbo community. He was truly one of the kindest humans I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. He was so generous with his time, always offering support and reassurance. His creativity and curiosity was apparent in all he did, including through our numerous email exchanges about the films he helped me prepare for classes. His wit and humor brightened so many of my days at work, and I knew I could trust him to give me the best advice! I believe he knew I meant it when I called him one of my heroes, because he most surely was just that. His technical skills were outstanding, but it is the loss of Mark’s beautiful personality in this world that leaves a void that won’t ever be filled. My heart aches for all of you who loved him.
I love you my big brother…you were my protector, my confidant, my best friend. I will forever miss you.
Mark/Seitzy will forever be one of my favorite human beings. He was intelligent, caring, humorous, giving, compassionate, creative, multi-talented, and so much more. He made people feel welcome and valued, and he was always encouraging others to expand their horizons and be their best selves. He was so genuinely witty and had a knack for putting a smile on your face, even in brief interactions. Nearly every time we crossed paths, he memorably brightened my day. I greatly admire how he was constantly doing or sharing something creative or interesting. I enjoyed talking with him immensely, as well as reading his online posts, listening to his music, and watching his videos. I am in total awe of his passion for music, phenomenal guitar playing, recording and composing talents, and videography skills. He comes to mind quite often in various different contexts. (I always grin a bit whenever I observe someone eating fruit in public or when thinking about those darn arrogant, smelly oranges with their bad attitudes). Mark’s truly an irreplaceable person, and his absence makes me tremendously sad in ways that I can’t even describe. The world feels lonelier, emptier, and less good without him. I know I am fortunate to have known him for so many years, but I wish beyond compare that we all could have had more time with him.
Aunt Peg, Uncle Bill and family…there are no words to express but our thoughts of comfort and prayers are with you all.
I deeply enjoyed my experiences working with Mark at Viterbo. We became Facebook friends a few months ago and I really enjoyed his humor thru his posts too. Mark left this earth way too soon and will be missed by many at Viterbo, especially me. My sincere condolences to his family and friends and his wife Carol.
Carol – On behalf of your UWL family, our hearts are with you. My personal memory of Mark besides his political work will be sitting with you and watching roller derby while his band played!
It was an honor working with Mark at Viterbo. He was a skilled professional. He was smart and kind and had a gift for making people laugh. I can’t express how much I’ll miss seeing Mark in the library every day. His wit was legendary, and his novel insights led to great conversations and ideas. My heart goes out to all his friends and family.
Mark would walk by the library front desk every day and make a joke or do something funny. I enjoyed hearing his stories about his time with family in Arizona, his filmmaking experiences, playing with his band, his dogs. He was a great storyteller but also a listener, truly gifted at conversation and just being an all-around wonderful human. He would send out these hilarious satirical emails to library staff to invite them to his live music shows. He sure is gone too soon and I’m so sorry for his family. Mark made such a positive impact on the Viterbo community.
My heart breaks for Mark’s partner, family, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He was a hilarious guy who had a unique ability to connect with just about anyone after only a brief conversation. I worked with Mark in the library at Viterbo and so enjoyed talking with him about politics, laughing about bizarre property listings in the Arizona mountains, and hearing about what projects he was working on at the time. Mark brought joy to even the most mundane days at work. I am so grateful to have known him.