Mark Harlan Schmuhl, age 71, of Whitewater, passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2026.

Mark was born to Harlan and Lois Schmuhl in September 1954. He grew up in Brandon, Wisconsin and graduated from Ripon High School in 1972. Mark went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in business education from UW-Whitewater.

Mark taught Business Education at Baraboo and Palmyra/Eagle High Schools for three years. Discovering that teaching wasn’t his passion, Mark found a career he loved in Agricultural Business at Hi-Life Rubber Company in Johnson Creek, Wisconsin. There, he worked as a manufacturer’s sales representative for 35 years, traveling extensively throughout the United States and Europe. Mark loved driving wherever his job took him, especially through the highways, byways and backroads of the Northeastern, Southern and Midwestern parts of the United States.  He determined that his home state of Wisconsin was among the most beautiful in the country.

Before the effects of two devastating strokes impacted his life, Mark’s perfect day would have been spent outside taking care of his lawn, playing golf, watching the birds in his backyard and walking with his dogs, for whom he always had a special place in his heart.

Mark is missed and survived by the children he loved, son Nicholas (Liz) and daughter Melanie (Tanner); the little boy who lit up his face, grandson Oliver; the one who saw him through it all, his ex-wife Debbie; his mother; his sisters Cindy (Terry) and Judith (Frank); his nephew, Eric and niece, Audrey. Mark is also survived by the furry friend that brought him so much joy, Mr. Kat.

He was preceded in death by his father; brother-in-law, Val; and nephew, Andrew.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

Those wishing to express their sympathy may make a donation in Mark’s name to the Dane County Humane Society, 5132 Voges Road, Madison, Wisconsin 53718.

Mark’s family would like to thank the staff at Fairhaven and Rainbow Hospice for the tender care they gave Mark.

Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater has been entrusted with Mark’s care.