Mark James Drkula, 56, of Rice Lake entered into eternal life unexpectedly on September 5, 2024.

He was preceded in death by his father, James; sister, Virginia Dull; and brother-in-law, Andy Lutz. Mark is survived by his mother, Mary “Peggy”; siblings, Renee Lutz, Rebecca (Terry) Haman, Carisa, Sara (Jason) Lindquist, Douglas (Toby Ann), Laura (Don) Ismil, and Mara (Paul) Heath; loved by many nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.

Mark was born on September 29, 1967 in St. Louis Park, MN. His family moved to Wadena and he attended St. Ann’s Elementary School. They then moved to Idaho and he graduated from Idaho Falls High School and continued his education, earning a bachelor's degree from Idaho State University. Mark then moved to Wisconsin where he was employed at the Rice Lake Public Library for many years. More recently, he was employed at Henry Repeating Arms in Rice Lake. Mark was a man of deep faith. He was very active at his parish, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, and held many roles, serving in any way he could. Mark was the prior of the local order of the Servites of Mary. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Rice Lake Lions Club. Mark was a man of many hobbies and interests. He was an avid reader, enjoyed history documentaries, game shows, Hallmark movies, and knitting. He loved cribbage, cards, and board games, but was always a stickler for the rules, so all instructions had to be read first. Mark had a short stint as an actor with the Barron Spotlighters. He was a devoted fan of the Minnesota Vikings. He loved his cats and spoiled them immensely. Mark was a dedicated uncle, the chosen babysitter, and ensured everyone followed “Marky’s Manners”. Mark was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 12, 2024 from 5 to 7 PM at Appleyards Home for Funerals, 19 W Messenger Street, Rice Lake, WI 54868, with a Rosary service at 7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM on Friday, September 13, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 111 W Marshall St, Rice Lake, WI 54868, with visitation from 10 AM until the time of the Mass. Fr. Joseph Kumar Mayakuntia presiding over the Mass. Interment at St. Ann’s Cemetery in Turtle Lake. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Last Update: Sep 09, 2024 1:10 pm CDT