Mark William Werner, age 73, passed away on Thursday, November 13, 2025, after a long and courageous journey with Parkinson’s Disease. He was born on October 15, 1952, to Betty (Houge) Werner and Glen Werner in Oshkosh, WI. Mark married Kathleen Miller on June 15,1985.

Mark graduated from Oshkosh High School and then went on to the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He was employed by UW Madison his entire professional career. Starting out at the Physical Sciences Lab near Stoughton, he then went on to work at the Space Science and Engineering Center (SSEC). At SSEC Mark worked on several NASA related projects, most notably those linked to the Hubble Space Telescope High Speed Photometer and Diffuse X-Ray Spectrometer.

Mark was always a go-getter and perpetually active, frequently fixing things; fondly referred to as Uncle Sparky by many nieces and nephews. He told notoriously bad jokes until the very end. Mark was a card enthusiast in past years and played cribbage until near his death. He was a longtime fan of musicians, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and Neil Young.

Mark enjoyed participating in recreational sports and activities including tennis, basketball, softball, bowling, volleyball, sailing, camping and his favorite, golf. He was a supporter of UW Badger women’s volleyball, football, basketball, and followed the Packers, Brewers and Bucks.

Mark is survived by two daughters, Kirsten (Andrew) Rider, and Corinne Werner; one granddaughter, Avery Kathleen Rider; siblings, Diane Koopmeiners, Diane (Jeff) Tendler, Steven (Denise) Gussick; nephew, Joshua (Cindy) Koopmeiners; great nephew, Jackson Koopmeiners; numerous sisters and brothers-in-law; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Glen; mother, Betty Gussick; stepfather, Truman Gussick; brothers-in-law, Don Johnson, Wilfred Broxterman; mother-in-law, Lucille Miller; father-in-law, Robert Miller; and nephew, Clint Miller.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Azura Memory Care in Verona, Agrace Hospice and Dr. Laura Buyan Dent of the UW Health Movement Disorders Clinic for their kind and compassionate care.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, December 1, 2025, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 5701 Raymond Road, Madison, WI. Visitation will take place from 9:30 A.M. until the time of service at church. A luncheon will follow the service from 12:00 P.M. to 1:00 P.M.

Memorials may be given to the - Parkinsons Disease Alliance of WI, Donate | Wisconsin Parkinson Association - Parkinson’s Voice Project Donate Donate to Parkinson Voice Project – Help Restore Voices - Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Music Ministry, 5701 Raymond Rd. Madison, WI 53711

To view the obituary or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Legacy Center
6728 Mader Drive
Madison, WI
608-274-1000

Mark W. Werner

October 15, 1952 - November 13, 2025

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