Mark Stuckey Obituary

We have lost the root of our family, but Heaven gained an incredible angel that will continue to watch over us all. It is with a very heavy heart that we announce the passing of what we consider to be the most loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, father-in-law, brother-in-law, son-in-law, uncle and friend and one of the toughest, bravest men you could ever meet. He was a fighter like none other when faced with adversity. Mark A. Stuckey, age 64, passed away on October 6, 2023 after a 4 year and 7-month battle with Glioblastoma brain cancer surrounded by his loving wife and children. When he was first diagnosed with this relentless cancer, the doctors told him he should get all his affairs in order and that the average survival rate was 12 to 18 months. The moment Mark heard that; he told the doctors this was NOT going to be his fate. He was going to prove those statistics wrong and be among the 2% that live for at least 4 to 5 years. Well, he did just that. He was always a man of his word and he did not waiver from that, even in this situation. During his battle, he lived in the moment. He taught all of us around him how to meet a challenge head on no matter how tough it was and to always remain positive. He is a true inspiration to all those who know and love him. His motto and theme song throughout his journey was "I Won't Back Down" by Tom Petty. You could stand him up at the gates of hell, but he wouldn't back down. Mark was born in Janesville, WI on May 26, 1959 to Dean M and Della (Klebs) Stuckey. He attended Janesville Parker High School. After working some odd jobs, he was employed by Anton's Fence in Beloit, WI and eventually went on to own Allstar Fence until 2001. In 1986 he began working at General Motors, Janesville until December 2008 when the plant closed. Retiring in May 2009. After the GM plant closed, Mark went back to school graduating from Blackhawk Technical College with an Associate's Degree in HVAC/R and Industrial Maintenance. While attending Blackhawk, he worked as a lab assistant in the HVAC/R Department as well as held a part-time maintenance position at the college. Shortly after graduation, he took a full-time position as an HVAC/R Specialist at Beloit Memorial Hospital until his retirement in March 2017. In his spare time, Mark loved the outdoors and took great pride in his lawn and golf green. It was not at all uncommon to see him out mowing his lawn on his favorite Kubota tractor or helping a neighbor with their yard. He really did love doing lawn work. He also enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, golfing, watching football, hockey, Nascar and Indy Car racing. But most of all, he loved spending time with his loving family and friends. He was known by so many as a kind, hardworking, caring, and giving man. He strived all of his life to be successful in all he did, to live an honest life, and to give his family and friends someone to be proud of. The love of his family was stronger than can ever be explained. As with life, there are times when things were not perfect, but one thing that never wavered was the unconditional love he had for his family. Mark was married twice, both ending in divorce prior to finally meeting his soulmate and the love of his life, Tammy Watson. To say he was gun shy about getting married again is an understatement. But, finally after being together for 3 years, Mark finally pulled the trigger and planned an intimate ceremony to be held in their home. They were married on February 14, 2001 and remained together, hand in hand, navigating through this thing called life until his last breath. Mark is survived by his loving wife, Tammy. Three children Angela (Ben) Tessner, Stefanie (Nick) Duhr, and Markus (Jacob Lundquist) Stuckey. Grandson and birthday buddy, Scott Duhr. Siblings Mike Stuckey, Tammy (Dan) Uschan, and Lori (Jerry) Johnson. Father-in-law and Mother-in-law Gerry and Heidi Watson. Brother-in-law and Sister-in-law Kal Watson and Kari O'Connor. Several nieces and nephews and last but not least the Summerhill Creek Crew! He was preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law Carletta Stuckey. The family would like to thank the Agrace Hospice team, Mercy Health Oncology, specifically Dr. Shekhani and Dr. Kozak, along with their staff, and the UW Hospital Neuro Oncology team for all the care and support they gave Mark and our family throughout his journey. Funeral service for Mark will be Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 11:30 AM at SCHNEIDER FUNERAL HOME, 1800 E. Racine Street, Janesville, WI. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM until time of service.