Mark Huenink Obituary

Mark Edwin Huenink, 74, entered into eternal life surrounded by his family and their loving arms and voices at home on October 23, 2025, after facing cancer with incredible strength and grace.
Born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin on March 14, 1951, to Carroll and Ellen (Steffen) Huenink, Mark grew up in Cedar Grove and graduated from Cedar Grove High School in 1969. He went on to earn his bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater in 1973. On August 3, 1974, he married his high school sweetheart, Lynn Ellen Huibregtse, beginning a loving marriage that spanned 51 years. Over the following 12 years, they were blessed with 5 children.
Mark started his teaching career at Fennimore High School, where he also coached football and basketball. He then worked at DeForest High School, continuing his dual passions for teaching and coaching. In 1984, he earned his master's degree in Educational Leadership from UW–Madison, which led to his role as Athletic Director and later Principal at New London High School. Mark went on to serve in administrative roles at Appleton West and Appleton North High Schools before concluding his career as District Administrator for the Appleton Area School District. Among his many professional accomplishments, Mark took great joy in serving on the Advisory Council and Board of Control for the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA).
Mark sought to live as his Heavenly Father taught-through love, humility, and steadfast devotion to his family. He cherished coaching his children in various sports, camping adventures with his wife and grandchildren, and attending their many church, school and athletic activities. He enjoyed watching and playing golf, was a loyal fan of Wisconsin sports teams, loved spending time with family at Lake Mary and traveling; the beach was a favorite destination.
Mark's deep faith was nurtured through his longtime membership at Apple Valley Presbyterian Church, where he faithfully served as Elder and Treasurer for many decades.
He was preceded in death by his father, Carroll, in 1970, his mother and stepfather, Ellen and Harold Simmelink, Lynn's parents, and several aunts, uncles, and a cousin.
Mark is survived by his loving wife, Lynn, his son Gregory (Bridget) of Appleton, WI, and daughters Kristine (Brian) Altena of Little River, SC, Kimberlyn (Ryan) Grams of Cambridge, MA, Kara (Creed) Darling of Muskego, WI, and Kelli (Daniel) Rado of New Berlin, WI. He was blessed with 16 grandchildren: Geoffrey and Jonathan Huenink, Kirali, Mikayla, and Tristan Altena, Henrik and Jude Grams, Maelee, Liam, Graeme, Mila, and Eli Darling, and Madelynn, Bennett, Oliver, and Magnolia Rado.
He is further survived by his brother, Tom (Debra) Huenink, his sister, Lisa (Bob) Welsch, Lynn's siblings, Dean Huibregtse, Gail (Dennis) Prinsen, and Kay (Steve) Veldhorst, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, at Apple Valley Presbyterian Church, 1750 Olde Buggy Drive, Neenah. Family and friends may visit at the church on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. Interment will take place on Sunday, October 26, at 2:30 p.m. at The Presbyterian Cemetery in Cedar Grove, WI.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund for Apple Valley Presbyterian Church has been established in Mark's name.
Mark's family is deeply grateful for God's care and sovereign plan for his life, and for the loving support of family, friends, and the medical professionals at Froedtert, ThedaCare Cancer Care, and ThedaCare Regional Medical Center–Appleton
Webcast of Mark's service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_Ayv_1x_do https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermons/1025251830536324 Audio of Sermon only
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