Mark H Mattke

     Mark H. Mattke, 70, of Sparta, passed away Friday, June 7, 2019, at his home.

     He was born, November, 11, 1948, to Harold L. and Viola M. (McManus) Mattke. On June 14, 1969, Mark married Barbara Tuttle at St. Michael’s in Plymouth, IN. He entered into the United States Army and served from 1968 until retiring with an honorable discharge from Ft. McCoy in 1988. Later, Mark worked as a civilian. Barb and Mark opened Pines Kennel and just recently sold and retired.

     Mark had a rough exterior but was a loving, generous man. Family always came first. He was an excellent cook and could make the biggest mess in the kitchen. Mark loved company and never wanted anyone to go away hungry. If you were a guest you were subject to his quick wit and banter.  What many don’t know, is how generous Mark was throughout his life; taking no credit for the acts of kindness he had done, too many to mention. His greatest love was his children, grandchildren, and his wife.

    Survivors include his wife Barbara; grandson, Matthew Wheelock (Shyann Sena) of Branson, MO; granddaughter, Faith Wheelock (Dan Batchelder) Mount Pleasant, WI; sisters, Laurette Greene of Bremen, IN and Jill Miller of Mishawaka, IN; brothers, Perry of Plymouth, IN, Shawn (Melanie) of Bremen, IN and Blaine of Plymouth, IN; sister-in-law, Gloria Hensley (Brian Lowe) of IL; special aunt, Patty (Chuck) Illegan; many friends who were like family; his loyal dog, Sam; and many nieces and nephews.

     Mark was preceded in death by his daughters, Heather Kay Mattke and Holly Kay Wheelock; son, Dalton Mark Mattke, son of Heather adopted by Barbara and Mark; our reason to live after the deaths of our daughters; brother, Craig Mattke; his parents; and his son-in-law, George Wheelock.

     A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1pm, Saturday, June 15, 2019, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Sparta. Father Eric Berns will officiate. Burial with military honors by the Sparta VFW Post 2112 and the United States Army Funeral Honor Guard will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Sparta. Family and friends may call from 11 a.m., IN THE CHURCH BASEMENT until the time of Mass, on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and may be directed to SACS, St. Patrick’s Catholic School, or the Monroe County Animal Shelter.

     Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.schanhoferfh.com

     Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.  

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