Fennimore, WI-Mark L. Riley, age 68, died unexpectedly on Saturday evening Feb. 8, 2014 at Grant Regional Health Center in Lancaster. Mark was born on April 17, 1945 in Lancaster, WI the son of Dan & Evelyn (Ransom) Riley. He was united in marriage to Christine A. Mook on June 4, 1966 at the Fennimore United Methodist Church in Fennimore.
Following graduation from high school, Mark attended U.W. Platteville. His love for the outdoors and being his own boss lead him to farming, raising livestock such as Duroc Pigs, horses, along with many other animals. He also logged throughout the area and along with Christine owned the Blue Goose Tavern in Mt. Hope from 1976 until 1989. Mark enjoyed listening to music, reminiscing about playing in the band, being apart of the area rope pulling team, coon hunting, attending horse & mule shows throughout the Tri-State area, and watching college basketball. Mark was a very enquiring man who was the “Master” of the conversation, enjoyed sharing stories, and believed in having fun.
Mark is survived by his three children; Neil (Lisa) Riley of Mt. Hope, Nancy (Michael) Porter of Fennimore, and Sharon (Vince) Jeardeau of Mt Hope, eight grandchildren; Seth Riley of Madison, Anna, Noah, and Adam Riley all of Mt. Hope, Emily (Cody) Frederick of Belmont, Kate (Adam) Goss of Prairie du Chien, Calvin Jeardeau and Laura Jeardeau both of Mt. Hope and a great grandchild Addilynn Riley. He is also survived by his five siblings; Robert Riley of Spokane, WA, Barbara Gratz of Fennimore, Daniel (Linda) Riley of Jadwin, MO, Mary Riley of Salt Lake City, UT, Steve (Janet) Riley of Lancaster along with his extended family Joe, Jamie, Dawn, Susan and their families.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents, his ex-wife after 23 years of marriage Christine Riley, and a special friend for numerous years, Sandy Witzig, sister-in-law Sally Riley, brother-in-law Guerdon Gratz
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday morning Feb. 12, 2014 at the Larson Family Funeral Home in Fennimore with burial to follow in the Mt. Ida Cemetery in Mt. Ida Township Grant Co., WI. Visitation will be held from 4-8:00 P.M. on Tuesday Feb. 11, 2014 at the Larson Family Funeral Home in Fennimore and from 10:00 A.M. until time of service at the funeral home on Wednesday morning.