MADISON - Mark Andrew Frazier, age 38, of Madison, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022. He was born on Nov. 17, 1984, in Madison, WI, the son of Tim and Cheryl (Ellis) Frazier.

A determined and focused individual, Mark was athletic in his youth and thrived in team sports. He continued embracing his competitive side into adulthood, playing ultimate frisbee and recreational volleyball with good friends. His favorite sport and position of choice, however, was soccer goalkeeper. Even two facial fractures during gameplay did not snuff out his passion for the sport, and he played until his early thirties. Mark had a natural way with words and earned an English BA from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. He had worked as an editor for a publishing company and had spent the past eleven and a half years working for Covance/Labcorp, a drug development company, combining his knowledge of science and gift of writing as an editor, clinical medical writer, and most recently, clinical scientist.

Mark was a highly intelligent man, musically inclined and an avid reader. He was particularly fond of diving into science fiction and fantasy books, but he had also logged many hours playing video games or snuggled up on the couch watching TV and movies with his wife and their three cats, Bella, Peanut, and Rupert. He had a deep appreciation for comedic timing and complex storytelling, but still found joy in sharing the corniest puns and jokes. He loved to say “Why do you never see elephants hiding in trees? Because they’re so good at it!” and laugh as you shook your head. Often times he was quiet and contemplative in group conversations and you weren’t sure if he was paying attention until he’d catch you off guard and make you laugh with his deadpan wit.

Mark loved spending time at home, but he came alive in nature. He enjoyed traveling and had plans to go back to some of the beautiful places he loved most: Kentucky, England, Ireland, Iceland, and India. He loved going for walks in parks and forests, frequently veering off paths and stopping to inspect flowers or mushrooms growing nearby. He had a true talent for finding four-leaf clovers, and most of his impressive collection is pressed in the pages of his favorite books, but some were given as gifts to special people in his life.

Mark is survived by his wife, Melissa; mother, Cheryl (David Coe) Frazier; brother, Bryan (Niki) Frazier; uncles, Michael (Llew) Ellis and Larry Frazier; brother-in-law, Mark (Heather) Sharafinski Jr.; mother-in-law, Linda Sharafinski; father-in-law, Mark Sharafinski Sr.; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Tim Frazier; and grandparents, Les and Bev Ellis and Bliss and Mary Ellen Frazier.

A celebration of life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 1, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be gifted in Mark’s name to the Dane County Humane Society, Wisconsin Public Radio, or the Coalition for Rainforest Nations. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Mark Andrew Frazier

November 17, 1984 - November 23, 2022

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