We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of a beloved husband, brother, uncle, and friend, Mark Kenneth Jeske of Vernon, WI. Mark entered eternal life in the loving arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025. Mark was born on November 2, 1967, in Milwaukee, WI to Elaine (nee Pescinski) and Eugene Samuel Jeske. Mark married the love of his life, Ann Lemanski on Sept.9, 2006 and together they celebrated 19 years of a marriage built on mutual love and respect.
Mark is survived by his beloved wife Ann; step-mother Yvonne Jeske; brothers Mike (Lee) and Jeffrey Jeske; step-brothers Keith, Joel (Joanne), and Donald (Kim) Bruessel and step-sisters Gale Bruessel, Lea (Bill) Kitz, and Doris (Randy) Brockman. Also left to cherish his memory are Aunt Judy Cortez and Uncle Roland Lausier; nephews Ian, Alex (Rachel), and Eric (Ela) Jeske, and Andy Schmittner; great nephews Zephyrin, Lawrence, and Elijah Jeske, and great niece and goddaughter, Stella Jeske. Mark is also survived by many cousins and dear friends.
Mark graduated from Waukesha South High School in 1986 and attended the University of Wisconsin-Stephens Point. Mark proudly served his country in the Army National Guard, U.S. Coast Guard as an SK3 for 4 years, followed by 3 years in the Naval Reserve.
Together, Mark and Ann loved antiquing, rummaging, and traveling to unique places across Wisconsin. They looked forward to the annual camping trip to Buckhorn National Park, sometimes just the two of them, and sometimes joined by family. Mark also helped create a gorgeous backyard with Ann where they could enjoy the birds and other wildlife.
As a child Mark learned his hunting and fishing techniques from his father Gene, and developed a passion for traveling and nature during family camping trips across the U.S. An avid hunter and fisherman, Mark found peace and joy in the great outdoors. Whether it was teaching his nephews and their children the art of casting a line or sharing tales of early morning hunting trips and quiet times on the lake, Mark cherished every moment spent in nature and with his family.
Mark was an employee of Collaborative Design for over 20 years and managed the warehouse for the company. He was known for his strong work ethic and reliability. He was not just an employee, he was treated like a member of the Koehnlein family.
In addition to his parents Elaine and Eugene, Mark was preceded in death by brothers Stephan, Gregory, and Brian Jeske; sister Mary Schmittner; and nephew John Schmittner.
Mark will be remembered for his enduring Christian faith, his love for family, and passion for the outdoors that inspired all who knew him. Mark’s actions reflected his beliefs, guiding his family and friends with humility, kindness and grace. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and to pray with and for those in need. Family was the heart of Mark’s world. He was always a source of wisdom, laughter, and unwavering support.
Mark’s unique and hearty laugh, his gentle smile, and generous spirit will be missed forever but will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.
The family invites friends and loved ones to join in a celebration of Mark’s life on Dec. 12th at Orchard Hill Church, 9590 County Hwy-ES, Mukwonago, Wi 53149. Visitation will be at 4PM followed by a memorial service at 6PM.
Burial with full military honors at Union Grove Cemetery will be at a later date.
The Schmidt and Bartelt Funeral Home in Mukwonago is serving the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wildlife in Need Center in Oconomowoc, WI, the Shalom Wildlife Center in West Bend, HAWS, or a charity of your choice.
As we deal with our sorrow at the loss of Mark, we remember…
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” (Winnie the Pooh).
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Mathew 25:23