Mark Patrick Wirkes (Marcus Aurelius, Spartan-at-Large) passed away on June 25, 2022 after a short battle with lung cancer. We thought we would have more time with him. We miss his mischievous grin and easy laughter.

Mark was born September 4, 1962 in Seattle, WA to Audrey (Gulig) Wirkes and William Wirkes. His father was in the Marine Corps, so the young family with four kids criss-crossed the nation and lived in Washington, California, North Carolina, Hawaii, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Utah.

He graduated from Xavier High School in 1980 and enlisted in the Marine Corps for adventure and travel. He was part of the 2nd ANGLICO unit and is remembered by his fellow Marines as the life of the party and a skilled naval gunfire spotter. After leaving the military he had several jobs, but he especially enjoyed his time working as a printer at JanSport until they closed shop in 2017.

He loved watching the Packers and NASCAR, managing his fantasy football leagues, playing Pokemon GO, and drinking Coors Lite. He was skilled at pool, darts, and negotiating his way out of chores. He was a sensitive soul who enjoyed poetry and classic rock music. Known for stretching the truth, you would often walk away from a conversation unsure of what to believe.

He was preceded in death by his mother Audrey (Gulig) Wirkes; sister Diane (Wirkes) Zenke; niece Callie Rockman; brother-in-law Al Rockman; and his maternal and paternal grandparents. Those left to grieve include his brother David Wirkes; sister Mary Rockman; sister Robyn Wirkes; father William Wirkes; friends Pat Ratzburg and Tracy Mikulski; niece Aubrey Rockman; nephews Jordan Rockman, Jace Rockman and Ryan Zenke; grandnieces Lauretta and Anneliese Zenke; brother-in-law Pat Zenke.

We will celebrate his life at a party for family and friends on July 9, 2022 at 2:00 pm. If you are interested in attending, call or text 920-944-5438.

Semper fi and godspeed to you on your journey, Mark.