Mark Unnasch

Mark D. Unnasch passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 3, 2025, at his home in Trade Lake.

Mark was born in Grantsburg, WI, on October 4, 1979, to M. Dale and Evangeline (Peterson) Unnasch. He graduated from Grantsburg High School and began pursuing his lifelong goal of farming. He started working with his father to re-establish the family farm, which was nearly lost in the 1980s farm crisis. While still in high school, he began working at Dick’s Red Owl to save money to buy his first tractor, a beloved old IH from Mike Chell, that still remained a workhorse on the farm. He raised pigs for a few years and then transitioned back to milking cows. The milking operation was updated, and for many years, Mark’s favorite times were spent milking cows, talking with his father, and playing with the cats amidst the chores. For many years, the barn was the “heart and soul” of Mark and the farm.

Mark lived a rich life, living off the land and working side by side with his father for several years. For both Mark and his father, seasons carried great meaning – Spring meant a time of fresh starts while Autumn represented the harvest. These two seasons were favorite times for Mark because he could be in the field enjoying the outdoors with time spent on his IH equipment. All know how much Mark loved “Red Iron”. “Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains.” James 5:7

He carried himself with a strength but remained humble in his accomplishments. In 2023, Mark built on-farm grain storage, one of his greatest earthly accomplishments. He began a corn bagging operation with corn stand sales in 2024 that was continuing to expand. He and his best friend Dan Byers were near completion and installation of a grain leg, the final piece to that expansion which he was unfortunately not able to see to completion.

“The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands…” Deuteronomy 28:12 Mark’s grain bin was a reflection of his trust that his Lord would bless him.

His love was not for fleeting things, but for things that would last a lifetime. He carried a strong faith and loved his Savior Jesus Christ. He lived on the home farm and cared for his parents in their later years. He spent endless hours taking Mom to dialysis appointments and daily visits to Dad in the nursing home. Known to few, Mark enjoyed Christmas especially. He made “Christmas goodies” with Mom for several years. These were shared with all, including neighbors and milk haulers. Mark and Heather’s love for each other was demonstrated by their daily calls, texts and shared love for a way of life and her desire to see Mark succeed in all that he did. She was also his Facebook Marketplace secretary. He always found a way to humor her through cat memes, and few really knew the depth of his

humor. He was loved by family, friends, and neighbors and was looked upon as a role model by several young men in the community. He brought so much joy to others. Summed up best by one individual, “It did not matter how terrible a day I had, Mark had a smile and talking with him made me feel better.”

Mark was preceded in death by his parents Dale and Evangeline, his grandparents Raymond and Adeline Peterson and Myron and Dorothy Unnasch. He is survived by his loving sister Heather Hill, brother-in-law Randy Hill, aunt Janice Unnasch, several cousins and many beloved family and friends.

“Farmers don’t just cultivate crops, they cultivate a great future.” As his sister, I am left with a huge hole in my heart and a lack of understanding and clarity but my hope, as Mark’s would be, is that ALL come to know Jesus as personal Savior. This can be done through trusting him and asking Jesus into your heart and forgiveness of your sins. A legacy is left of my family’s enduring trust in Jesus to support us through good times and bad and good memories of Mark and Mom and Dad! Mark no longer has an earthly future but he is spending eternity in heaven rejoicing with Jesus and my parents. He would like everyone else to have that same future. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, “plans to proper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

The Funeral Service will take place on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Grace Baptist Church in Grantsburg, WI, at 11:00 AM, with Visitation starting at 9:30 AM. Following the service, we will lay Mark to rest at Riverside Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Grantsburg, WI. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com.

Flower arrangements can be made at Village Floral in Grantsburg, WI: 715-463-5695 and Austin Lake Greenhouse in Webster, WI: 715-866-7261.