Mark L. Kirst, 76, of Beaver Dam passed away on Sunday, September 29, 2024 at Sylvan Crossing surrounded by his loving family. He was a dedicated educator, community leader, and active member of the Beaver Dam community. Mark was born on December 27, 1947 the son Waldemar and Lois (Grams) Kirst in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.Continue Reading
Mark L. Kirst, 76, of Beaver Dam passed away on Sunday, September 29, 2024 at Sylvan Crossing surrounded by his loving family. He was a dedicated educator, community leader, and active member of the Beaver Dam community.
Mark was born on December 27, 1947 the son Waldemar and Lois (Grams) Kirst in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. On April 2, 1977, he was united in marriage with Angela Razner at First Ev. Lutheran Church. He was a graduate of Beaver Dam High School and U.W. Whitewater. Mark received his Master’s in Administration from Marian College.
Mark began his career as a Jr. High and High School English teacher and continued to serve students as an assistant principal and later as principal, all within the Beaver Dam School District. He had the ability to make connections with both students and staff and especially enjoyed his years as assistant principal guiding students through their high school careers. He also advocated for students and teachers on the executive board and as president of the BDEA. After decades of service, he retired in 2003.
Mark remained active on the school board and served as its president demonstrating his continued passion for improving education in his community. In addition to his contributions to education, Mark served the City of Beaver Dam as an alderman and president on the city council.
Mark enjoyed being involved in the Beaver Dam Community Theatre, where he not only acted in numerous productions but also directed plays. An avid golfer and a passionate fan of all Wisconsin sports, Mark enjoyed spending his leisure time on the golf course or cheering on his favorite teams. He was also an excellent woodworker, crafting beautiful display cases for the high school and middle school.
Mark is survived by his wife of 47 years, Angie and their sons: Ian (Melissa) Kirst of Janesville and Matt (Megan) Kirst of Mundelein, IL; grandchildren: Preston, Myles, Hadley, Calvin and Wesley; his sister Diane Urbanek; brothers: Neil (Sue) Kirst and Steven (Jody Mosher) Kirst; sister-in-law Cathy Razner and brothers-in-law: Tim Lindgren, Dan (Kathy) Razner and Dave (Mary) Razner.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters Carol Scheel and Beth Lindgren.
Mark’s impact on his family and friends will be fondly remembered. We’ll remember his great sense of humor, empathetic nature, and ability to communicate with people from all walks of life. His sons will remember his model of patience and perspective. They will remember the lessons he taught them through both the great times and the struggles. His grandchildren will always remember his smile and laugh. Whenever he was around them, he only had good days. His contributions will be felt for generations.
A memorial gathering for Mark will be held on Thursday, October 10, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home, N7199 N. Crystal Lake Rd, Beaver Dam. A Celebration of Life will begin at 3:00 p.m. with John R. Leiting as celebrant.
Memorial donations in Mark’s name may be made to: Beaver Dam Area Community Foundation, Beaver Dam Library Fund; Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or to the Beaver Dam Scholarship Foundation.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Sylvan Crossings for the amazing and exceptional care they provided to Mark. The compassion and dedication shown by the staff will always be remembered and appreciated.
John Klinger
left a message on October 10, 2024:
Krist family, our condolences to your family. Mark will be missed by many people. He was certainly a “giver” to our community rather than a “taker”. And I enjoyed playing golf with him many years ago.
John & Laurie Klinger
Tom and Mari Hyke
left a message on October 10, 2024:
Marcy Seiler
left a message on October 9, 2024:
I knew Mark since our grade school years. I spent many hours at the Kirst home, with my dear friend Carol. Mark was the typical little brother pest. He teased and I teased back. He certainly was an asset to the Beaver Dam Community. People will speak fondly of Mark for a very long time, myself included. My condolences to you Angie, Diane, and the entire family.
Anonymous
left a message on October 9, 2024:
The Friends of Horicon Marsh and Horicon Education Staff
left a message on October 9, 2024:
Chrissy Oelke
left a message on October 8, 2024:
My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family during this time. Prayers of comfort and peace.
Paula Letkewicz
left a message on October 8, 2024:
Angie, Ian, Matt, and family,
I am very sorry to hear this sad news. I will always remember the impact Mark had on me and others in our school district and community. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Paula Letkewicz
Mary Jo Hencke
left a message on October 8, 2024:
Dear Angie and Family. I am so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mary Jo Hencke
Marge & Warren Jorgensen
left a message on October 8, 2024:
Angie & family,
So sorry to hear of Mark's passing. He was a great teacher and friend. Loved his passions for teaching, connecting with people, whether with students or people on political issues.
We had some interesting times on the School Board together too.
Our prayers to all of you. Hold tight to the happy memories.
Marge & Warren Jorgensen
Margaret McDonald & Vitor Silva
left a message on October 7, 2024:
Russ Tronsen
left a message on October 7, 2024:
On behalf of the staff and students of Beaver Dam High School we extend our most sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Mark Kirst.
Marion Griffith
left a message on October 7, 2024:
Angie - My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss.
From Your Milton HS Basketball Family
left a message on October 7, 2024:
Britta Johnson
left a message on October 6, 2024:
Angie and family, my deepest sympathy for your loss.
Rea and Jim Dahm
left a message on October 5, 2024:
Be at peace fellow Beaver ... class of '66.
Adam Schultz
left a message on October 5, 2024:
My condolences to the family on your loss. Mark was my English teacher back in high school. He played a pivotal role in shaping me as a young man, had a great passion for teaching, and opened a broader world of reading and exploration that can books offer. A life very well lived. May he rest in peace.
Marlon nehls
left a message on October 4, 2024:
My condolences to the family i remember him when I hung out with Neil
Brian Schoenwetter
left a message on October 4, 2024:
So very sorry for your loss. Mark was my English Teacher back in Junior High many years ago. As a middle school student there were a select few Teachers let alone classes I enjoyed. Mark made English fun and enjoyable. He was a wonderful Teacher.
Sarah Razner
left a message on October 3, 2024:
Dear Angie, Ian, Matt, Melissa, and Megan,
We are so sorry for your loss. Mark was such a wonderful person, and it was an honor to know him. He has left behind a beautiful legacy that will live on in you all and in the community, and he will be greatly missed. We are all holding you in our prayers and our hearts.
Love,
Dave, Mary, Katie, Riley, and Sarah
Lisa L Neuendorf
left a message on October 3, 2024:
Sorry for your families loss, he always had a smile on his face when I saw him.
Erv Barnes
left a message on October 3, 2024:
Peace and love to your whole family. I have many fond memories of Mark from the Junior High teachers' lounge, BDEA meetings, his offices as High School Assistant Principal and Principal, a Girls State Basketball Championship game, and a party at our home. He always helped me feel valued and heard, and I miss him.
Lorraine Beal
left a message on October 3, 2024:
So sorry to hear of Mark's passing. Our hearts and prayers are with you.
Robert Schwoch
left a message on October 3, 2024:
Mark was a truly great administrator. His work ethic compelled you to work as hard as you could since he worked that hard for you. I remember the staff Christmas party that I organized for him, and the fun we had at his table. Our sympathy to you, Angie and to your sons.
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
John Klinger
left a message on October 10, 2024:
Krist family, our condolences to your family. Mark will be missed by many people. He was certainly a “giver” to our community rather than a “taker”. And I enjoyed playing golf with him many years ago.
John & Laurie Klinger
Tom and Mari Hyke
left a message on October 10, 2024:
Marcy Seiler
left a message on October 9, 2024:
I knew Mark since our grade school years. I spent many hours at the Kirst home, with my dear friend Carol. Mark was the typical little brother pest. He teased and I teased back. He certainly was an asset to the Beaver Dam Community. People will speak fondly of Mark for a very long time, myself included. My condolences to you Angie, Diane, and the entire family.
Anonymous
left a message on October 9, 2024:
The Friends of Horicon Marsh and Horicon Education Staff
left a message on October 9, 2024:
Chrissy Oelke
left a message on October 8, 2024:
My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family during this time. Prayers of comfort and peace.
Paula Letkewicz
left a message on October 8, 2024:
Angie, Ian, Matt, and family,
I am very sorry to hear this sad news. I will always remember the impact Mark had on me and others in our school district and community. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Paula Letkewicz
Mary Jo Hencke
left a message on October 8, 2024:
Dear Angie and Family. I am so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mary Jo Hencke
Marge & Warren Jorgensen
left a message on October 8, 2024:
Angie & family,
So sorry to hear of Mark's passing. He was a great teacher and friend. Loved his passions for teaching, connecting with people, whether with students or people on political issues.
We had some interesting times on the School Board together too.
Our prayers to all of you. Hold tight to the happy memories.
Marge & Warren Jorgensen
Margaret McDonald & Vitor Silva
left a message on October 7, 2024:
Russ Tronsen
left a message on October 7, 2024:
On behalf of the staff and students of Beaver Dam High School we extend our most sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Mark Kirst.
Marion Griffith
left a message on October 7, 2024:
Angie - My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss.
From Your Milton HS Basketball Family
left a message on October 7, 2024:
Britta Johnson
left a message on October 6, 2024:
Angie and family, my deepest sympathy for your loss.
Rea and Jim Dahm
left a message on October 5, 2024:
Be at peace fellow Beaver ... class of '66.
Adam Schultz
left a message on October 5, 2024:
My condolences to the family on your loss. Mark was my English teacher back in high school. He played a pivotal role in shaping me as a young man, had a great passion for teaching, and opened a broader world of reading and exploration that can books offer. A life very well lived. May he rest in peace.
Marlon nehls
left a message on October 4, 2024:
My condolences to the family i remember him when I hung out with Neil
Brian Schoenwetter
left a message on October 4, 2024:
So very sorry for your loss. Mark was my English Teacher back in Junior High many years ago. As a middle school student there were a select few Teachers let alone classes I enjoyed. Mark made English fun and enjoyable. He was a wonderful Teacher.
Sarah Razner
left a message on October 3, 2024:
Dear Angie, Ian, Matt, Melissa, and Megan,
We are so sorry for your loss. Mark was such a wonderful person, and it was an honor to know him. He has left behind a beautiful legacy that will live on in you all and in the community, and he will be greatly missed. We are all holding you in our prayers and our hearts.
Love,
Dave, Mary, Katie, Riley, and Sarah
Lisa L Neuendorf
left a message on October 3, 2024:
Sorry for your families loss, he always had a smile on his face when I saw him.
Erv Barnes
left a message on October 3, 2024:
Peace and love to your whole family. I have many fond memories of Mark from the Junior High teachers' lounge, BDEA meetings, his offices as High School Assistant Principal and Principal, a Girls State Basketball Championship game, and a party at our home. He always helped me feel valued and heard, and I miss him.
Lorraine Beal
left a message on October 3, 2024:
So sorry to hear of Mark's passing. Our hearts and prayers are with you.
Robert Schwoch
left a message on October 3, 2024:
Mark was a truly great administrator. His work ethic compelled you to work as hard as you could since he worked that hard for you. I remember the staff Christmas party that I organized for him, and the fun we had at his table. Our sympathy to you, Angie and to your sons.
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