Mark Platz

Mark Edward Platz was called to his heavenly home on September 12, 2023 after having dealt with Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy, a degenerative muscle wasting disease, his entire life.

Mark’s parents, Donald Platz and Nancy (Wicker) Platz and brothers Steven and Thomas were blessed by his birth on December 16, 1991 in New Berlin, WI. He came into this world with an infectious smile and an outgoing personality which he carried throughout his life. Mark was wheelchair bound since age 7, but he never let that stop him from enjoying life and accomplishing many goals. He loved the time he spent each summer at MDA camp. In middle school in Menomonie he was involved in Science Olympiad and he helped his team earn a trip to the national competition 5 years in a row. Mark was an active participant at Oak Ridge Lutheran Brethren Church (Living Hope) where he was confirmed in his faith. In high school he joined the football team as a manager. After graduation, he moved to Hudson, Wisconsin to attend Minnesota School of Business where he earned an associate degree. Although, he was a very capable, hardworking young man, who really wanted to go to work out in the community, he was unable to find suitable employment. He lived the rest of his life at Safe Haven Assisted Living where he received excellent care and support.

Mark was a huge Packer fan, but he also enjoyed nearly every sport out there. He served as football commissioner for his Fantasy Football team for several seasons. Mark used the internet to keep us all informed of everything from sports, to the daily news, to politics. He called his parents every morning to keep them current. He also liked to travel with his family. His dad would book the hotels and check out the maps, but Mark explored the things to see and do and unique places to eat. Even as his condition deteriorated, he continued to pursue the things he enjoyed most. He didn’t let MD stand in the way of an active and fulfilling life.

Mark will be sadly missed by his father, mother, and brother Tom. He is also survived by an abundance of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Although 32 is a long time to live with muscular dystrophy, it just doesn’t seem long enough, but our Lord saw his suffering and called him home.

Mark was preceded in death by his grandparents Edward and Christine Wicker and Arno and June Platz. He is also preceded in death by his brother Steven Platz, his uncles Paul Wicker and Ken Brosig, his aunt Lois Wicker and cousin Dan Wicker.

Mark’s funeral will be held on Saturday, September 30 at 1 PM at Living Hope Church, 620 24th Avenue W Menomonie, Wisconsin with a time for visiting 1 hour prior to the service. There will also be a celebration of Mark’s life on Friday, October 6 from 5 PM to 7 PM at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N. Webster Ave, DePere, Wisconsin. Mark will be interred at Mount Olivet Cemetery in DePere.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Minnesota or Parents Project Muscular Dystrophy. We would like to thank Dr. Hank Simpson, Denise, and Terra for their excellent care and deep concern for Mark’s wellbeing for so many years. Thank you to Dr. Diebold, Dr. Gary, and Dr. Karachunski who helped us navigate life with muscular dystrophy.