Mark Altermatt

Mark Altermatt age 85, of Wanda, MN died peacefully on September 30, 2023, surrounded by family at his home.

A visitation will be held at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Wabasso, MN on Saturday, October 28, 2023 beginning at 9:30 am with mass of Christian burial at 11:00 am lead by Father Anthony Hesse. Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Lamberton, MN.

Mark Francis Altermatt was born on October 5, 1937, the son of Valerius and Mary (Pollack) in Vail Township. He graduated from St. Anne's Catholic School in 1955 and went on to attend St. John's University in Collegeville, MN for 2 years. On September 5, 1959, Mark was united in marriage to Barb Maertens and they began their journey of farming and raising a family near Wanda. Throughout their farming years, they had dairy cows, hogs, chickens, turkeys, cattle, as well as growing corn and soybeans. There was always chores to keep everyone busy. After the death of their son, Perry, Mark's granddaughters, Kaycee and Miranda took over the farming operation. Mark and Barb were able to help and guide them.

Mark and Barb enjoyed traveling with family and friends. They took trips to Hawaii, Belgium, Australia, New Zealand and spent winters in Arizona.  During Mark's semi-retirement in Mesa, AZ, he sold toys and memorabilia at the flea market. Back in MN, he sold them at farm shows in MN, WI, and SD. The grandkids helped him at many shows making lots of memories. At the age of 70, he retired from selling toys. This led him to take up a new hobby of UTV riding. He enjoyed the beautiful scenery, rough terrain, the cookouts, and meeting many new friends. Other hobbies included playing cards, collecting rocks in the desert, and socializing with neighbors.

Mark was a very kind and compassionate person and would do anything for anyone. He loved to socialize and meet new people wherever he went. His shop was always open, even when he wasn't home. If anyone needed help or a place to make a repair, they knew Mark's shop was available. While he was blessed with many great friends, his biggest blessings were his 6 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Spending time with them was one of his greatest joys in life.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Barb; daughters - Pamela (Tom) Warnke, Dana (Scott) Haas, Dawn (Jeff) Buboltz; daughter-in-law, Tammy Altermatt; grandkids - Kaycee (Josh) Pfarr, Miranda (Jereme) Loose, Kate (Ross) Erickson, Scott (Kayla) Buboltz, Anna Buboltz, and Zachary Haas; great grandchildren - Sophie, Charlotte, Evelyn and Lorelei Pfarr, Jackson and Maggie Loose, and John Erickson; and many other family and friends. Mark was preceded in death by his parents, and sons, Doug and Perry.

*Memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society and St. Jude Children's Hospital.*