In Memory of Mark Frankel

    Obituary

    Mark Kevin Frankel, 71, of Fond du Lac passed away on the morning of November 25th, 2020. He was born September 5th, 1949 in Chicago, Illinois to Daniel and Mary Margaret (Munnelly) Frankel.

    In 1972 Mark married Susan (Males) in Chicago, Illinois. Next month (12/30/20) would have been their 48th wedding anniversary. Over the year the couple welcomed three daughters into their home Mary Ellen, Becky, and Lisa. Mark set about teaching them a love of learning and sharing his passion for history. Mark will always be remembered as a selfless father who always supported and encouraged his children to pursue their goals.

    After graduating from Forest View High School in 1968 he attended the prep school for the Naval academy for one year then decided to pursue his wrestling at Purdue University. Mark graduated from Purdue University in 1972 where he was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity and earned a degree in industrial engineering. Mark finished his service in the Navy, then found a career as a manager in the transportation industry until he retired in 2016.

    Mark loved wrestling then as an adult took on judo, where he dedicated 36 years to his passion, he was recently promoted to Rokudan (6th-degree black belt), a huge accomplishment.

    Mark adored spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, who loved their ‘Jaja’ with a passion. If he wasn't coaching Judo he could be found out golfing or practicing Tai Chi. He was also actively involved in the Holy Family Catholic Church regularly volunteering as a eucharist minister and usher. Mark leaves behind his spouse, Susan Frankel; children Mary Ellen Frankel (Jim Reed), Becky (Tayler) Swenson, Lisa (Jason) Plonsky and five grandchildren, Eva, Scarlett, Hollis, Devin, and Brinley. He was preceded in death by his parents Daniel and Marge Frankel.

    The family held a private visitation. A celebration of life will take place in the summer. Please look for more information to come. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Mark’s name to Wisconsin Judo, by emailing info@wisconsinjudo.org.

    Announcement

    November 25, 2020 - Surrounded by love
    Journal Entry by Lisa Plonsky

    Last night Susan received a phone call from the nurse saying she should come quickly to the hospital. Mark had to be resuscitated and his blood gasses dropped significantly, he wasn’t able to fight anymore.

    Mary Ellen, Lisa, and Susan went to the ICU as quickly as possible while Becky and her husband Tayler joined us through a video call. Mark passed away early this morning with his family surrounding him, holding him and telling him how much we loved him. Giving him the grace to stop fighting and to let go. He died peacefully surrounded by love.

    More information will be coming on a celebration of life &/or funeral arrangements.

    To remember the amazing man he was, if you could please share a story about my dad, (however short or long it is) &/or any pictures you have of him to his FB page or by email: frankelhere@gmail.com. I would forever be grateful to have another piece of him! Thank you all for your love and support

    In lieu of flowers or other gifts, Mark's family is asking for people to send a donation to WI Judo.

    Donations can be mailed to: 

    Wisconsin Judo, Inc, Donations
    c/o Darlene Cypert
    W10222 County Road F
    Fox Lake, WI 53933

    Donations

    In lieu of flowers or other gifts, Mark's family is asking for people to send a donation to WI Judo.

    Donations can be mailed to: 

    Wisconsin Judo, Inc, Donations
    c/o Darlene Cypert
    W10222 County Road F
    Fox Lake, WI 53933