MADISON-Mark Francis McLaughlin, age 62, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2013, after a courageous 19 month battle against esophageal cancer. He was born on June 15, 1951, in Appleton, the beloved son of Eugene and Joyce McLaughlin. Mark graduated from UW-Oshkosh and taught at McFarland High School for 35 years. He coached football, track, and women’s professional football. Mark enjoyed running, traveling, cars, yard work, remodeling, and his pets, Macky and Bucky.
Mark was a beloved son, brother, teacher, friend and coach. He is survived by his mother, Joyce McLaughlin; sister, Pat (Mike) Sexton; brothers, Jeff (Amy) McLaughlin and Greg (Lisa) McLaughlin; nieces and nephews, Kelly (Jess) Sexton, Ann (Dan) Ginstead, Megan (Jeremy) Wood, Matt (Kate) McLaughlin, Beth McLaughlin, Mitch McLaughlin, and Cooper McLaughlin. He was preceded in death by his father, Eugene Francis McLaughlin; paternal grandparents, Ed and Mary McLaughlin; and maternal grandparents, Louis and Veronica Kort.
Funeral services for Mark will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Rd., Madison at 3 pm on Sunday, Sept. 1, 2013. Private burial will be in Holy Name Cemetery in Kimberly. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr. Madison, from 3:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2013. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
“I wish to extend a very special thanks to my sister, Pat; brother-in-law, Mike; Jean Hodge and to the staff and donors at Turville Bay, St. Mary’s Hospital and Surgical Procedures, and the staff at Dean Care Oncology and Agrace HospiceCare. I also want to express my gratitude to the American Red Cross for the many pints of life they have made available to me. Please find your nearest blood drive and give, give, give the Gift of Life; and keep on giving. In lieu of flowers, a gift will be given to the Red Cross and a scholarship fund has been started in Coach Mac’s name with the McFarland Educational Foundation.”
“To my friends, family, students and those who played for me: If you are reading this, then it must mean that I have moved on and it’s time for me to say goodbye. It has been a great ride and each and every one of you have contributed to my life being very rich and rewarding. I have a lifetime of memories and smiles spent with you in the classroom, the driver ed car, the gym, the practice and playing field and just about any place we gathered. We had more laughs and successes than we did tears and failures. I have been truly blessed with the best family, the best friends, the best colleagues, and the best students and athletes to ever enter a high school doorway or to step onto a playing field. I grew up with the best, played with the best, and tried to pass on my best to those interested. Thanks for allowing me to be part of your life. I hope that I was as big a part in your life as you were in mine! I hope I was a good son, brother, uncle, and a good brother in law. By the time you read this, Gene(dad), Mackie, Bucky and I will have gone for a walk and Grandpa and Mamie and I will be loading up for a trip. So don’t cry because I am gone, but smile for the times we shared. For those who have been caught off guard by this news, I chose to keep my “condition” very private. I never wanted to be the topic of discussion, I never wanted any one to feel bad for me. My message to you has always been to be upbeat, positive and encouraging. Why change now? Remember the great experiences we shared and the level of success we attained. In remembrance of me, please consider donating blood as often as you can. It will mean more to me than you will ever know, and perhaps even more to the people you don’t know.”
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608)221-5420
