Mark Alan Zipperer, age 58, of Merrill, passed away on Monday, September 9, 2024, at his home, after a short courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his family and under the care of Compassus Hospice. Mark was born on September 21, 1965 to the late Francis and Irma (Franzen) Zipperer in Manitowoc, WI. He attended and graduated from Antigo High School with the class of 1983. Mark met his soul mate and best friend, Sharon Hehling, and the two were united in marriage on June 24, 1995, a loving union lasting over 29 years.
Mark worked for the U.S. Postal Service from January 1988 until his retirement in November 2021. He also worked at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery for 3 years, as a groundskeeper. Mark followed the Packers (which he owned stock in) and the Brewers, Bucks and Badgers. He loved the Wisconsin sports teams and was the ultimate sports fan! In his younger years, Mark was involved with little league and modified softball leagues and enjoyed bowling. He even bowled a 300 game in November 2009. He loved to play cards, especially Sheepshead and enjoyed cribbage. Mark looked forward to camping trips with his family. He was very active in his church, St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, serving as an usher, selling scripts, church council for 4 years, worked as the chairman of the fair stand for 3 years and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a man of strong faith and had a servant’s heart. Mark will be missed dearly, but his strength and courage will live on in his family and friends.
Mark is survived by his wife: Sharon Zipperer of Merrill, stepson: Nathan (Jill) Eggebrecht of Hopkinsville, KY, with their sons: Renzo and Rowan, stepdaughter: Rachel (Steve) Rueckert of Waukesha, WI, with their son: Casen and daughter: Raena, sisters: Connie (Ray) Warpehoski, Vicki (Ron) Schroepfer, Karen (Kevin) Marten and Michele (Terry) Frahm and brother: Ken (Amy) Zipperer, along with many nieces, nephews and good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister: Bonnie (Duane) Leonard, niece: Sammy Zipperer, nephews: Colton Schroepfer and Benjamin Stahoski and brother-in-law: Roy Rustick.
The Mass of Christian Burial for Mark will be held on Friday, September 13, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Merrill. Father Charles Hoffman will officiate. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 12, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Waid Funeral Home and again on Friday, September 13, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., also at the funeral home. Entombment at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery will immediately follow Mass.
In lieu of flowers, family asks that donations in Mark’s name be directed to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.
Mark’s family wishes to express their appreciation to Marshfield Medical Center in Weston, especially the Radiology and Oncology departments for their care, professionalism and support shown to them during his time there, as well as Compassus Hospice for their compassion and support shown to Mark and his family during his final days; it is appreciated beyond words. Another huge thank you to all of the friends and family that came to help, give support and show their love.
Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.