MOUNT HOREB - Noted writer, poet and political activist, and beloved husband, father and brother, Mark J. Knickelbine passed away unexpectedly on October 12, 2023, at his home in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin.

He was born on October 2, 1958, in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, the eldest of twin sons born to Lee and Marcia (Adelman) Knickelbine. He was a 1977 graduate of Lincoln High School in Manitowoc, and received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin Madison in 1981.

Mark was a prolific writer and journalist, starting in 1978 as co-author of the historical radio drama Neshota Sam which aired daily on WQTC in Two Rivers, Wisconsin. He and his twin brother, Scott, shared the radio name “Scott Marquette,” and under that name Mark was a newsreader for WRTR in Two Rivers, and spent several years as the voice of the Sport Fishing Machine, cruising for lake trout and filing live reports on Lake Michigan charter fishing for WCUB in Manitowoc. He was the author of many books, including several as editor for Trails Books, and a series of highly rated histories of American Wars that he co-authored with his twin - again under the name Scott Marquette.

In 1991, Mark married his devoted wife, Lynn (Lovelien), and together they had three sons. The couple settled in Mount Horeb in 1994, where Mark was active in local and county politics. Mark and Lynn traveled extensively together, both throughout the U.S. and Central America. He loved to cook - usually reserving this chore for himself -- and was an avid wine afficionado. Mark was an obsessive fisherman and was an outspoken fan and withering critic of the Green Bay Packers; he wrote books on both subjects. Mark always sought to broaden his horizons, to learn and experience new and interesting things, and he encouraged his children to do the same.

Mark's professional journey was marked by a passionate commitment to public service and communication. He headed public relations for the United Way of Kenosha and for the United Way/Crusade of Mercy in Chicago in the 1980s and ‘90s. Starting in 2008 he spent eight years as a Communications Specialist and Policy Analyst for Wisconsin State Senator Julie Lassa, where he played a vital role in shaping economic development policy for the state. One of his proudest accomplishments was managing the drafting and passage of the CORE Jobs Act, a cornerstone of Governor Jim Doyle's agenda in 2010. In his final years he served as Communications Policy Advisor for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

Mark was a talented musician, and played guitar, mandolin and lap steel guitar. He wrote several songs, including a campaign song for former Dane County Board member Pat Downing (“Put Pat Back”) which he performed for many campaign cycles at fundraisers.

Mark was a gifted poet, gaining the attention of poet Lou “Bink” Noll while still in high school. He earned a Master of Arts in English from the UW-Madison in 1997. His work has been featured in publications like the Milwaukee Shepherd Express, Wisconsin Happenings, Catholik Guilt, and the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters, as well as on his own blog, “The Creature Who Can Hear This Song.” A certified meditation instructor and a Tai Chi practitioner, he was Director of Practice for the Secular Buddhist

Association and served on the SBA’s board. He invested enormous energy in the things he cared about.

Through his political life, his writing, his meditation teaching and his music, Mark touched countless other lives. The world will be a dimmer place without him.

Mark is survived by his beloved wife, Lynn; his three sons, Ezra (Alison), Soren and Jack; his siblings, Scott, Ted and Laura; step-brothers, Sean and Seth Harvatine; a niece, Alison; and a nephew, Ben.

Visitation will be held at Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb Funeral and Cremation Care, 500 N. Eighth St., Mount Horeb, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023.

Memorials may be made in Mark’s memory to United Way of Dane County. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb
Funeral & Cremation Care
500 N. Eighth St.
(608) 437-5077

Mark J Knickelbine

October 02, 1958 - October 12, 2023

Share photos of Mark