MADISON - Mark Richard Wilkinson, loving husband, dad, grandpa, son and brother, passed away on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at home surrounded by family. Mark was born to Barbara Jean (Mermoud) Martinez and Thomas Lee Wilkinson on March 14, 1963, in Madison, Wis. He grew up on the west side of Madison with his four siblings where he attended Madison Memorial High School.

Mark held various jobs from short order cook, to making pool cues, until finally settling into his career as a dry-wall finisher. In 2005, shortly after the passing of his beloved mentor, Mark entered into a partnership to take over the business and continue Barry’s legacy. When he wasn’t hard at work, Mark enjoyed fishing, hiking, kayaking, watching any sport, and learning about history. He recently began to collect antique torches; enjoying scouring flea markets, antique stores and resale shops for his next big find.

In March of 1989, Mark met Sue, and they were married on October 10, 1992, at Bethany United Methodist Church. In 1995 they moved into their home where they raised their two boys, Nate (1994) and Spencer (1997). As a family they spent time watching movies, doing outdoor activities, playing games and going on family trips. Mark attended every event his boys had, from concerts to parent-teacher conferences and various log rolling competitions. In May of 2022 Mark welcomed his granddaughter, Nora (Peanut). He loved being a grandpa more than anything else. Nora immediately stole his heart and always kept his spirit bright. She had him wrapped around her finger, and he loved every minute of it.

Mark battled lung cancer for three years, never giving up. He fought to keep the burden of his disease off the shoulders of his loved ones, showing incredible strength and resiliency. He took each treatment head-on, never complaining. He lived each day to the fullest, without worrying about tomorrow.

Mark is survived by his wife, Susan; his sons, Nathaniel (Holly) and Spencer; granddaughter, Nora; his mother, Barbara Martinez; his siblings, Mike (Elaine) Wilkinson, Jolene (Dave) Schultz, Sandy (Dale) Meier and Laura Walker; many nieces and nephews; and extended family in Indiana. He is preceded in death by his father, Thomas Wilkinson; grandparents; and family.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 12 noon on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. A luncheon will follow the service at the funeral home. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday.

The family would like to thank his dedicated care team, including the infusion nurses at SSM Health Oncology, and his Hospice nurse, Dana. We appreciate the kindness and compassion each person shared with him along his journey. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lung Cancer Research Fund at UW Health Carbone Cancer Center in Mark’s honor.

“And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.” (The Beatles)

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Mark Wilkinson

March 14, 1963 - September 13, 2025

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