Mark Edward Potter

Mark was born on March 24, 1949, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, to Martin and Lois (Dekker) Potter. He grew up in Sheboygan, served in Vietnam and then attended the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh where he lived until 2006.

He married Pamela Tetzlaff on May 4, 1974. They had 52 years together, building a life around family, friends, travel, and whatever adventure came next. Mark was a loving and supportive husband to Pam and a hands-on father to their son, Christopher. He was always there. He did not need to say much for Christopher to know what he thought—or to know that his dad had his back.

Mark studied cartography and began his career creating surveys and maps for Fond du Lac County. He later moved into information systems and spent most of his career at the Leach Company, where he led that work until retiring in 2008. He was thoughtful and pragmatic, with the patience and common sense to work through just about anything. He was also opinionated and remained so right up to the end.

He was quick with a joke and often the life of the party. On late nights at Perkins, Mark would turn the hostess stand into his podium and make announcements to the restaurant. While everyone was distracted, he might quietly write his name above the others on the waiting list. There were also many happy hours at Wingers, The Bar, and Evil Roy Slades. More recently, there was his habit of trolling people in the comments. If Mark teased you, there was a good chance he liked you.

Music was always part of Mark’s life. He loved listening to his albums and making mixtapes, then burning CDs, and eventually building playlists. He rarely turned down a concert or a chance to hear live music, and he and Pam were season-ticket holders at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix. He also loved puzzles, LEGO, and the small satisfaction of growing a plant from seed. Mark was a proud Green Bay Packers season-ticket holder, attended many games before moving to Arizona, and brought the same commitment to fantasy football.

He also loved to travel. During college, he backpacked through Europe. He later shared that sense of adventure with Pam and Christopher. There was always another place to see and another trip to plan.

Mark is survived by his wife, Pam; his son, Christopher Potter, and Christopher’s partner, Brian Baze; his sister, Pamela (Potter) Hicks, and her husband, Dave Hicks; his brother, Steven Potter; his brother-in-law, Gary Tetzlaff, and Gary’s wife, Sherry; and his nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Lois Potter; his brother, Paul Potter; and his parents-in-law, Betty (Schave) Tetzlaff and Elroy Tetzlaff.

Behind the jokes and strong opinions was someone who was loyal to his core. Mark showed up for his family and his friends. That is what they will miss most.

Mark’s family is grateful to the doctors, nurses, and staff at NorthPark Rehabilitation and Nursing Facility for the care they gave him and the support they gave his family.

Mark did not want a funeral or memorial service, and his family will honor that wish. In lieu of flowers, please choose a charity that matters to you and make a donation in Mark’s name.