Obituary
Mark James Squier
Mark James Squier, of Holmen, WI, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Gundersen Health System.
He was born in Sleepy Eye, MN, on December 15, 1949, to James “Chalky” Squier and Colleen Kehr, who passed away when he was just three years old. His father later married Joan Merfeld, who raised Mark and was the mother he knew throughout his life.
Mark graduated from Central High School in La Crosse, WI, in 1968 and was drafted into the United States Army shortly after graduation. He married Kaye Fernholz on December 23, 1988.
Mark served in the United States Army in Vietnam as an infantryman for six years with the First Infantry Division (Big Red One) and the 25th Infantry Division. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant (E-6). His military honors include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, and Combat Infantryman Badge.
Following his military service, Mark returned home and worked various jobs before beginning his career with the United States Postal Service in La Crosse, WI. His interests included golfing, hunting, baseball, and the occasional cocktail. He also built custom golf clubs and participated in local golf leagues. During his younger years, he played baseball at Central High School, earning All-City honors as both a junior and senior. He also spent time attending his son Ben’s football and baseball games.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Chalky and Colleen; his mother, Joan; his wife, Kaye; his brothers, Michael and James; his sister, Roberta; and his brothers-in-law, Mike Smith and Robert Onsrud.
He is survived by his son, Ben (Ashley); his granddaughters, Chloe and Josie; his brothers, Tom (Jessica) Squier and Steve (Renee) Squier; and his sisters, Paula Smith, Barb (Pete) Graf, Becky (Perry) Atterholt, Lisa (Mark) Weber, and Sandy (Lance) Allred. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, and others.
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.
The family extends thanks to the staff at Gundersen Health System, Mayo Clinic, and the Tomah VA Medical Center.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a Veteran’s focused charity of your choice.
Ben i am so sorry for the loss of you’re dad. He sounds like he was an assume human. Remember all the good times you spent with him and the memories you have made.
Ben, Ashely, Chloe and Josie- we are so sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you all and sending you hugs. We are here for you. Love you all.
Ben and Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Lots of good baseball memories with your family.
Thinking of you.
Sue Bock
My brother Bob Formanek and I played alot of baseball with Mark. He was an outstanding baseball player and a all around good friend and teammate May he rest in peace.