Deacon Mark Wand

Mark Wand (66) passed away, suddenly, on the morning of June 11, 2024.

Mark is survived by his parents, Donald and Alberta “Bertie” Wand, and 8 siblings and their spouses- Tim Wand (Karen Wand), Tony Wand (Trish Wand), Pat Wand (Vicki Wand), Nick Wand (Cindy Wand), Becky Mehl, Amy Hatz (Keith Hatz), Mary Harter (Mike Harter), and Sarah Repsher (Eldon Repsher), and countless nieces and nephews.

As a teenager, he picked up playing bass guitar, and never put it down. Music had been a constant and consistent companion for him, playing in groups, such as the local sensation “The Mugs,” or solo in his basement. Music introduced him to the woman who would become his wife for over 25 years, Jane Wand, who preceded him in death in 2018. During their time together, they overcame daily obstacles and adventured across the US, and in their own backyards. Their greatest accomplishment together is that they raised 7 amazing children- whom he is survived by, Kevin Willis (Mattia Coleman), David Willis, Mary-Kathryn Brammer (Christopher Brammer), Helen Williams (Lance Williams), Jacob Wand (Jenny Wand), Andrew Willis (Jamie Willis) and Erica Wand-Dukes (Mathew Dukes).

Mark was called to be a Deacon of the Catholic Church on April 24, 2004, and has led a life of servitude to the church and community by continuing to serve as a Deacon. In 2019 he started the Osage Branch Retreat Center, a place for all people to come and connect with nature and God.

Of all Mark’s stories and accomplishments, he was most proud of being “Papa Wand” to 14 wonderful grandchildren, now ranging in age from 3 to 32. Nothing could compete with “Papa Wand’s” sense of wonder, especially when he showed the grandchildren bugs in a plant, hummingbirds by the feeders, stars in the sky, or the fossils in the ground. If you were willing to slow down and enjoy it with him, he would also share his sense of bewilderment, excitement, and pure enthusiasm for the world with you. Sometimes, it would all just be a bit of goobity-goo, or sometimes it could change the way you appreciate the world.

Mark led a life so big that when he would tell you a story, you had to stop and consider whether you believed him- but then you would look at him and realize that he was telling you his whole truth. Which, may not be the full truth, but he sure believed it and it was probably a really good story. We know that “Papa Wand” would want us all to go out and live our whole truth, and make sure we bring back a really good story.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00pm on Friday, June 14, 2024 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Springfield, Missouri where a Prayer Service will be held at 7:00pm.

Mark's Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church with Bishop John J. Leibrecht and Father Thomas Kiefer concelebrating. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri.

Mark's Memorial Mass will be livestreamed on Saturday morning. For those that wish to view the livestreaming on Saturday, please click the following link: https://www.facebook.com/seaschurch.org/videos/866868628826119

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home in Springfield, Missouri.

Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.