Mark Mernitz

Mark Mernitz, 69, passed away peacefully at his home on March 14, 2024, surrounded by the love of his wife after a battle with Lewy Body Dementia.  

Mark was born October 14, 1954, in Iowa City, IA, to the parents of Richard and Dorothy Mernitz. As a young child, he moved with his family to Kroehler YMCA Camp in Hayward, WI.  For the next 29 years, he lived at camp, completed his Associate Degree in Architecture, and eventually became a Camp Director with his father.

Over the years, he worked as a volunteer firefighter which led him to Eau Claire, WI, where he joined the Eau Claire Fire Department. He dedicated 23 years of service working as a Firefighter & Paramedic to the City of Eau Claire. Mark was part of the first graduating paramedic class for the city on July 7, 1995. He retired from the Fire Department and began working at Mayo Clinic as the Emergency Services Coordinator for the next 12 years.  

Mark enjoyed spending time at the lake water skiing & boating, camping, downhill skiing in the mountains, and riding his Harley all around the country. He was a steadfast supporter of the American Birkebeiner as part of their volunteer team for 42 years.

Those left to honor Mark’s memory include his wife Marla of 48 years, daughter Lindsay (John), son Kyle (Maria), brothers Scott (Sue) & Craig (Kathy), and 4 grandchildren, Kali, Jayden, Patrick, and Josephine.

Donations can be made to Eau Claire Community Foundation https://eccfwi.org/ and/or Manitowish YMCA Camp https://manito-wish.org/donate/, in honor of Mark's memory and his commitment to helping others.

Visitation will take place Thursday, March 21, 2024 at Hulke Family Funeral Home from 4-7 pm. A funeral service will take place the next day (Friday) at 11 am at the funeral home. Chaplain Kurt Mattison will officiate. There will be NO visitation prior to the service on Friday. Private family interment will take place later at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com. 

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.  

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.