Mark Lusche passed away peacefully with his family by his side on August 31, 2024. He was born in North Chicago, Indiana on August 3,1947

He spent his childhood in Duluth, MN. & graduated from Hinckley High School in 1965. He attended Brainerd Junior College where he met the love of his life, Jean Ellen Peterson. The two were married in 1967 & shared 57 years together. To say he was an “adventurer” is an under-statement! Mark had a gift for connecting with people finding loyal friends from all over his travels. He treasured his family and their life together. Their boys joined them on most of their early travels - Disney, Montreal Grand Prix, Indy 500, Daytona, Florida, camping, Lake of the Woods. Jean’s family owned property on Lake of the Woods where they had many family reunions with cousins. He loved family shore lunches of fresh walleye and special times with his family. Mark had a passion for the sport of Curling & was an avid curler for most of his adult life. They were members of Cambridge, Rice Lake, St. Paul, and Duluth Curling Clubs. By chance, he came upon a note posted on the St.Paul Curling Club’s bulletin board, which stated, “I am looking for three curlers to join me in Scotland for a week of Highland Week of International Curling. It took all of 20 seconds to find the guy who posted this - Tim Doherty. Tim was on the ice. Mark pounded on the glass and motioned that he “was in for the trip”. From that point on the rest is history. Highland Week of International Curling is an invite only week long tournament & Mark continues to be invited each year. He & Tim curled two HWIC. The following year Jean said “No more going to Scotland without me!” Since then, Mark & Jean have invited many couples to join them for this wonderful week of Curling! In 2008 they were the first US team to ever win this tournament with Rachel & Merlin Orvik, and won again with Doug & Kris Cameron. Mark & Jean spent two winters on Vancouver Island and club curled in 2 Clubs. They gained lasting friendships with the Canadians and planned to return the following year. In summer of 2018, Mark was diagnosed with Mesothelioma. He had thoracic lung surgery in hopes to extend his life. His family was blessed with 6 more years of adventures. Through the years they kayaked in Lofoten Islands, Norway, Iceland, Sweden, Canada - but most of all Scotland. They made many trips to HWIC in Inverness, and toured the entire country. He earned his level 4 Kayak Instructor Certificate, BCU Three Star Canoe/ Kayak and Curl Canada coaching certificates! He loved life and lived life to its fullest.

Mark & Jean were blessed with two sons, Scott Christian Lusche (Carla), Derek Brock Lusche (Cecelia), Grandchildren Cayla and Tyler, sisters Julie Farr and Jill (Bob) Lyman Lusche, nieces, nephews, cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents Arthur & Lois Lusche, Jean’s parents, Orville & Doris Peterson. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jean Peterson Lusche, sons Scott (Carla), & Derek (Cecelia Webb) Lusche, Grandchildren Cayla and Tyler Lusche , sisters Julie Farr & Jill (Bob) Lyman Lusche, nephews, cousins, and step grand and great grandchildren!

A Celebration of his life will be held at the Rice Lake Curling Club, 912 WI Avenue, Rice Lake,WI. on October 19, 2024 from 10:00 AM -2:00 PM Visitation at 10:00 AM & Celebration service at 11:00 AM followed by a light lunch. All friends and family are invited to share their stories about Mark. Curlers may even throw a stone down the ice in his honor! In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to the United States Junior Curling Club of your choice. Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI is assisting and serving the family with the arrangements.

Last Update: Sep 16, 2024 10:40 am CDT