Obituaries

Mark D. Bathke, 66, of Eau Claire passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at his home.

Mark was born on February 22, 1959, to Julius and Doris (Weiner) Bathke in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. He graduated from Bloomer High School in 1977. Mark delivered fuel oil for several years in Western Wisconsin. He eventually transitioned to selling cars in Menomonie, Wisconsin. In his spare time, he participated in country dancing, at times competitively. He also enjoyed supporting the Green Pay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers and Wisconsin Badgers by watching games any chance he could. He even attended a few games over the years. Mark loved spending time with friends and getting together to visit. Bingo became a favorite past time as well as auctions. He loved deals. Although he never had human children, he was a wonderful cat dad to his felines, Lily, Buddy and Daisy.

Mark is survived by his siblings: Gary Bathke (Pam), Kim Oldenberg, Kay Bathke (Mark) and Scott Bathke (Beverly) as well as a very special second family: Rebecca Kappus and her girls; Angela Reynolds (Chuck) & boys, Kelli Reynolds (Pat), Paige Mann, Isabelle Mann, Morgen Mann and Haley Benson (Cody). He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, close friends and community members that will miss him dearly as well as his feline children, Lily and Daisy.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 21, 2026, from noon until 4 pm in the upstairs conference room at the Brickhouse Pub and Grub in Eau Claire, WI. In lieu of gifts, donations can be made to either the Eau Claire County Humane Association or Chippewa Humane Association in Mark’s honor. Friends and family may leave online condolences at www.smithfuneralec.com.