Mark Anthony Wedemeyer passed away surrounded by family on April 1, 2021, as a result of cancer. He was born February 27, 1948, in Atlantic, IA the son of Lawrence and Loretta (Donahue) Wedemeyer. He grew up on a farm near Wiota along with his 10 siblings. His loving and close family learned early the importance of hard work and furthering their education.
Mark graduated from Atlantic High School in 1966 and attended Iowa State University, receiving a BS in Dairy Science and Agriculture Business in 1970. He was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. After graduation he returned to the farm to pursue his career in farming and live out his love for the land. He extended his father’s dairy operation and continued dairy farming for 25 years.
In June 1970, he married Susan Krummel in Avoca, IA. They joyfully celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this summer with their family. Mark cherished his wife, daughters, sons-in-law, and grandkids. His family brought him great love and pride.
In 1970, he enlisted in the National Guard and served for 6 years. He was a member of the SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church and was devoted to his Catholic faith. He was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. In 1995, Mark became a field agent for Knights of Columbus Insurance for 20 years. During those years he was a member of the Million Dollar Round Table numerous times and earned the honor of Agent of the Year in 2009. Upon retirement, he was elected for two terms as Cass County Supervisor. He was a loyal conservative.
Mark was a land steward and loved buying farms to improve and implement land conservation practices. He enjoyed acquiring homes to restore for affordable housing; possessing a vision for progress and unique foresight. He always had a project in the works; there was no venture he would not tackle.
Mark enjoyed watching basketball, boxing, and cheering on the Cyclones. He loved steak from the S.F Martin House, and had a glass of milk with every meal. His smile was warm, contagious, disarming, and he made everyone feel relaxed. Mark knew no strangers and found the positive in every situation and in everyone. His wit and humor made up his light-hearted charm. His tenacity was demonstrated as he fought bravely throughout his illness.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Loretta and Lawrence Wedemeyer; sister, Joan Wedemeyer; father-in-law, Roderick Krummel; sisters-in-law, Linda Wedemeyer, and Sue Wedemeyer; and brothers-in-law, Roger Hansen and Stan Matthies.
Mark is survived and left to cherish by his wife, Susan of Atlantic; children, Lana (Greg) Kelsey of Cedar Rapids, IA, Kara (Leland) Rainey of Urbandale, IA, and Emily (Michael) Herzig of Iowa City, IA; seven grandchildren, Jolene Salehoglu – Kelsey, Joel and Marisa Kelsey, Danielle and Tanner Rainey, Giovanna and Alexander Herzig; two great-grandchildren, Syrianna and Alessandra Salehoglu; sisters and brothers, Naomi (Don) Kennedy of Olathe, KS, Austin (Mary) Wedemeyer of Iowa City, IA, Byron (Rose) Wedemeyer of Oxnard, CA, Lowell (Linda) Wedemeyer of Palos Verdes, CA, Atley (Susie) Wedemeyer, of Omaha, NE, Mary Sue (Tom) O’Dorisio of Iowa City, IA, Jerry (Jacque) Wedemeyer, of Bridgeport WV, Kate (Steve Zemke) Wedemeyer, of Anchorage, AK, Celine (Kevin Shea) Wedemeyer, of Pasadena, CA, and Miriam Wedemeyer of Huntington Beach, CA; mother-in-law, Mary Jean Krummel of Walnut, IA; brother-in-law, Gary (Deanna) Krummel of Avoca, IA; sisters-in-law, Sally Matthies of Walnut, IA, Janice Hansen of Primghar, IA, and Peggy Christensen of Sioux City, IA; numerous nieces and nephews; his trusted business colleague, Alan Peterson, and many other beloved friends.
It was Mark’s wishes to donate his body for cancer research at the University of Iowa.
Visitation with the family present will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Friday, May 7, 2021, at Roland Funeral Home. At the conclusion of the visitation there will be a time of prayer followed by a time of open sharing.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 8, 2021 at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Atlantic. The service will be livestreamed and available at www.sspeterpaulandmary.org and also recorded and available at www.rolandfuneralservice.com following the service. A private family burial will be held at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to the family for designation at a later date to causes close to Mark’s heart; one of these being cancer research.
