Mark Anthony Bates, age 54, of Hudson, Wisconsin, died surrounded by love after a courageous battle with cancer on February 14, 2023 at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, MN. Mark was born on January 26, 1969 in Durand, Wisconsin to Arthur and Lila (Hofacker) Bates. He was raised on the family farm and attended Elmwood High School and graduated in 1987. It was there he met the love of his life, Jennifer. He went on to study Soil Science and Agronomy at UW-River Falls and graduated in 1991. He immediately went to work for Land O’ Lakes as an agronomist helping farmers with their seed, chemical and fertilizer selections. He was based out of several locations throughout the years, including a Co-Op in Abbotsford, Wisconsin, Farmers Union Co-Op in Menomonie, Wisconsin, Precision Ag Co-Op in Ellsworth, Wisconsin and Countryside Co-Op in Ellsworth, Wisconsin. He was very successful in this position and often won rewards and recognition for being one of the top salesman. Many of his clients also became his life long friends. Also during this time, he purchased his own first farm immediately after college near Eau Galle, Wisconsin and began his true passion of farming outside of his agronomy career. He continued to grow his farming operation as he continued to work. He worked closely with his beloved mom who also maintained a farming operation, and the two of them became business partners in later years. Mark and Jennifer Reckin were united in marriage on February 22, 1997. They were blessed with two children, Madison and Mason during their 25 years of marriage. As high school sweethearts who grew up together, they nearly spent their entire lives intertwined with each other. He loved his children deeply. In the last two years, he was able to dedicate his time solely to his passion of farming, which brought him great joy and hope of future expansion.
If one word summoned up Mark, it would be laughter. He had an incredible, contagious laugh and positive attitude. He did everything he did in life to the fullest, made things happen, and believed with all his heart that he could beat this diagnosis until the end. He was always surrounded by friends and knew people everywhere he went. In his limited spare time, he enjoyed cheeseburgers on the deck with his family, traveling with family and friends, weekends away with friends, deer hunting, bowling, golfing, croquet, ‘80s Rock, and just plain talking with others. While he was running late his entire life, once he was there with you, he gave you his full attention and was always one of the last ones to leave any gathering. It was like he was always trying to squeeze every minute out of life.
Mark will never leave the hearts of his wife Jennifer, daughter Madison, and son Mason, plus countless friends that he also considered like family. Mark is reunited in heaven with many loved ones including his mother, Lila.
Visitation will be held from 4-7pm on Monday, February 20, 2023 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 South Eleventh Street, Hudson. Memorial Service will be held at 11am, Tuesday February 21, at Bethel Lutheran Church-Highlands Campus, 504 Frontage Rd, Hudson
When we were on the cruise to Cozumel some us were placing bets as to if Mark would make it back on the ship in time. We actually watched on the balcony and sure enough Mark and Jen got on board just before they raised the plank to take off. As the story was told their taxi got stuck in traffic in a parade. Well Mark had a history of running late but he certainly was a blast to be around and always had a happy smiling face. He never will be forgotten and if you wanted to learn how to win at blackjack just hang out with Mark. God bless him and your family. Tim Mares
So many fun memories of Mark in high school; he was a great classmate and friend. So many people are mentioning Mark’s laugh and I would agree with all of them. His love for life was contagious! Sending love to Jennifer and his family❤️
Many fun memories from high-school with both Mark and Jennifer. My prayers are with you all…
Very sorry for your loss.
Jennifer and family
I met Mark when he was interviewing for Crop Production Specialist roles in the cooperative system and knew him most for his seed accomplishments and in being recognized as an Eagle Squadron qualifier. We had a lot of fun times at those events. Those early days were fantastic and I remember the effort he put into his career. He will always be remembered as a driven, high-integrity person I was honored to be associated with. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Steve Hastings
Jen and family – My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you process this. I first met Mark when he interviewed for Crop Production Specialist jobs in the cooperative system. He was part of the elite Eagle Squadron seed team – and that is where we celebrated every February with you. Mark will be remembered as bringing value to farmer owners and helped them prosper. His integrity and drive were things that I will always remember.
Steve Hastings
Mark was energy, not only did you see it in the way he lived his life, but also in how you felt it when Mark entered the room. That energy was personified: in the many growers his information contributed to their success, in the sales awards he won, in the farm he operated, and the family and friends that will truly miss his energy and presence. Mark worked hard at everything until he succeeded, and at the end of the effort, he rewarded all of us with his laughter and a beer in celebration. That energy will be missed by all!
Maddie,
I am so very sorry to hear about your dad. He sounded like an amazing man. There is nothing like the bond between a father and daughter- hold tight to that love and all the memories created because if it. I am sending my heartfelt love and sympathy to you and your family. Wishing you peace in the days ahead as you honor/celebrate your dad’s life and grieve his death. God’s Blessing to all of you.
Kathy
Dear Jennifer, Madison, and Mason. I am so sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. It is so hard to lose a husband and father so young. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jenn and family. So sorry to hear about Mark. May God’s blessings and grace help you through this trying and difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family 🙏💗. Many blessings to you now and always. 🙏🙏
Maddie,
I am so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.
God Bless.