Mark DeBaker, 63, Denmark resident, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 29, 2022 following a swift battle with pancreatic cancer. He was an adoring husband, loving father, proud grandfather, animal lover and the wittiest person in the world.
He was born March 10, 1959, in Dyckesville, to the late Calvin and Mary Ann (Joski) DeBaker. Mark was the second of five sons. Growing up in Luxemburg, Mark was best known for his hard work ethic, fast cars, handsome smile and occasional mischief. After meeting Roxy Wertel, they wed on September 22, 1979, at SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church. Roxy has been his wife for almost 43 years. Following their marriage, they settled in Denmark where they lived the duration of their life together.
Mark’s family was his pride and joy. He enjoyed spending time together and the occasional family trip. As his family grew to include in-laws and granddaughters, family dinners and adventures with his three granddaughters became favorite pastimes. When Mark and Roxy purchased their retirement toy, “the little red convertible”, they enjoyed day trips around the state. Mark spent countless hours restoring and remodeling their hundred-year-old farmhouse. Mark was a true giver, lending a hand on projects and offering advice and help to family and friends.
Mark was always quick with a smile, a joke, or a prank, to keep co-workers, friends and family members in high spirits. His wit and humor, passed on to his children, will be his lasting legacy.
Mark is survived by his wife, Roxy; son, Eric (Karen) DeBaker and their daughters, Lillian and Clara; daughter, Kendra (Clif) Kuehl and their daughter, Evelyn, all of Suamico; brothers, Steve (Andrea) DeBaker, Greenleaf; Dave (Sharon) DeBaker, Abrams; Paul (Bobbie) DeBaker, DePere and Jim (Carolyn) DeBaker of Green Bay; brothers-in-law, Bob (Patty) Wertel, Green Bay and Richard (Germaine) Wertel, of Denmark; sister-in-law, Joan Wertel, Bellevue as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, Ben and Evelyn Wertel and brother-in-law, Raymond Wertel.
Friends may call at the Proko-Wall Funeral Home, 1630 E. Mason St. on Friday, September 2, from 4:00–8:00 p.m. with a parish wake service at 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue on Saturday at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 2040 Hillside Lane, after 9:00 am until 10:45 am. Funeral Mass 11:00 am Saturday at the church with Rev. Mark VanderSteeg officiating. Entombment in the Shrine of the Good Shepherd Mausoleum.
A heartfelt thank you goes to, Dr. “Oscar” Meyer, St. Vincent Hospital, especially to our nurses, Cassie and Tammy and Mark’s children who truly stepped up when he and Roxy needed them most these past couple months with “Baby Bear” leading the charge.