Mark A. Gretebeck

Mark Allen Gretebeck, passed away on April 5, 2024. He was born on April 12, 1960 in Stoughton, WI, a son of Edwin and Angeline (Hull) Gretebeck. Mark graduated from Stoughton High School in 1979. On October 23, 1982, Mark was united in marriage to high school sweetheart, Laurel Halverson, in Stoughton. After high school, Mark worked on the family farm and in 1999 he also took a full time job with the Township of Dunkirk as a Road Patrolman Supervisor until he retired in 2022.  

Mark is remembered as a hardworking, selfless, giving man with a sense of humor. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and had an “open shop” policy where friends could borrow tools and equipment or utilize his shop for their needs. Mark enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Everyone was welcome at gatherings and he found great joy in getting together with those he cared about over good food and conversation. Mark enjoyed the outdoors including camping, grilling, canning, sitting on the porch watching the birds and sunset and visiting State and National Parks. 

Mark never left the family farm. He grew up there learning everything he knew from his parents and continued his love for farming until he passed. Mark passed on his passion for raising  livestock to his kids by getting them involved in 4-H and the showing at the fairs. As a beef farmer, he found it funny that his kids chose to raise animals he had limited knowledge about, however, he enjoyed learning alongside them. Mark could be found driving around the neighborhood checking his crops or on the farm working with his dog beside him. 

During his last few years of his life, Mark overcame his personal challenges. As a family we could not be more proud of him.

Mark is survived by his wife, Laurel; three children, Joshua Gretebeck, Stoughton, Hannah (John) Opala, Janesville, Max Gretebeck, Stoughton; brother, Dale (Lisa) Gretebeck, DeForest, sister, Jackie (Scott) Zahn, Cambridge; several nieces and nephews, and many relatives and dear friends. 

Mark was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from 9-11:00 AM on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at First Lutheran Church, 310 East Washington Street, Stoughton, WI 53589 with a memorial service to begin at 11:00 AM. 

Memorials in Mark’s name may be given to the Special Olympics of Wisconsin, Stoughton Junior Fair or Spina Bifida Association.

Mark’s family would like to extend gratitude to First Responders of Stoughton and Dane County and Stoughton Hospital Staff.