Mark S. Bantz Obituary

Mark S. Bantz, a dedicated husband, father, grandfather-to-be, and friend to many, passed away peacefully in the home he built on Saturday, February 18, 2023.

Mark was born the youngest of three boys to Lila and Jerome Bantz in Ironwood, MI on September 3, 1958. The family moved to Sussex, WI where Mark grew up and attended school. The brothers often spent time back in Ironwood, hunting and fishing during holidays and summer break. After high school, Mark enjoyed a 38-year career with Paper Machinery Corporation where he started as a machinist and ended as a senior buyer, completing further education and certifications in tool & die mold making, welding, and purchasing over the years. Mark had a unique mechanical skillset, and he had a passion for helping others using his basement machine shop and tools. If the garage door was open, his service was available. Friends both old and new frequently stopped over with an issue or just to check in. When the garage door was down, Mark was spending time with his family.

Family meant more to Mark than anything else in the world. Mark met his wife, Suzzanne, in their 20's and the couple married on September 28, 1985. Mark and Sue couldn't imagine what was in store for them as triplet boys, Christopher, Matthew, and William, followed shortly after in 1986. The family quickly outgrew their house. With his background in the trades, Mark and his brother Jerry utilized their skills and network of friends to build the house on Melody Lane that his family still enjoys today. He worked hard to ensure his family was taken care of and felt loved every day. Mark instilled his work ethic in his sons, and proudly watched all of them become Evans Scholars after caddying for many years. He was immensely proud of their successes during and after college at the University of Wisconsin Madison.

Mark was a loving father, and a friend who could always be counted on. On weekends, Mark was often found with an ice cold PBR in hand in front of a roaring fire in the living room, dog next to him, enjoying the warmth and living the good life. Prior to losing his battle to prostate cancer, Mark was able to make several trips up to Ironwood, MI throughout 2022. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan and the Finnish SISU spirit held a special place in Mark's heart, and his family continues the tradition of spending time there.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Jerome and Lila; brother, Jerry; brother-in-law, Jeff Yohnk; and beloved pets.

Mark is survived by his wife and companion of forty years, Suzzanne (nee Yohnk); his triplet sons Christopher (Katherine West), Matthew (Kristine), and William (Tracy); his dog Elsie; grandbaby arriving in July 2023; brother Stephen (Juliane); brothers-in-law Dale (Annemarie), Darrel (Kay), Mike (Beth) and Steve Yohnk; nieces Kyle (Ian) and Hannah; nephews Wyatt and Jay.

Visitation will be on Sunday, March 5 from 11AM until time of Memorial Service at 1PM at Schmidt & Bartelt – Menomonee Falls; N84 W17937 Menomonee Ave. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mark's name to Prostate Cancer Foundation (https://www.pcf.org) or Evans Scholars (https://wgaesf.org) are greatly appreciated.

Visitation Sunday, March 05, 2023 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Schmidt & Bartelt Menomonee Falls, N84W17937 Menomonee Avenue Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 Phone: (262) 251-3630.