Mark R. Toftum

Mark R. Toftum, age 75, of Waupaca, WI, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his loving family under the compassionate care of hospice. Born in Stevens Point on February 17, 1949, to Raymond E. and Leona I. (Boelter) Toftum, Mark lived a life that reflected his deep-rooted values of hard work, loyalty, and love for those close to him. Mark graduated from Amherst High School in 1968. In July 1969, he entered into active duty with the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged the following year. Mark continued his remaining service obligation with the Army Reserves of Wisconsin. In 1999, his life took a joyful turn when he married Pamela Smith in Waupaca, and the two of them shared many holidays and summer camping trips with their cherished daughters and grandchildren. For many years, Mark worked at the Waupaca Foundry, where he earned the respect of his peers through his dedication and work ethic, retiring in 2011. Outside of his work, Mark was a man of the outdoors, finding peace and happiness in nature. He loved camping trips, where he could sit by a crackling fire and share stories. Hunting and the camaraderie of deer camp were also among his favorite pastimes, and his friends will fondly remember those days spent together in the woods. In retirement, Mark discovered a new love for reading, which added yet another layer to the many simple joys he appreciated in life. Whether golfing, camping, or enjoying a quiet day at home, he embodied the spirit of someone who found contentment in the little things. Mark is survived by his devoted wife of 25 years: Pam Smith-Toftum of Waupaca; his five daughters: Lori (Andy) O'Brien of Amherst, Jess (Sandy) Bremmer of Waupaca, Nikki (Carl) Johnson of Waupaca, Amy Jo (Barney) of Scandinavia, and Jenny Orr of Waupaca; proud grandfather to ten grandchildren: Jacob (Nicole) McMullen, Hannah (Charles) Wilson, Dawson O'Brien, Owen O'Brien, Luke O'Brien, Breleigh O'Brien, Wyatt Johnson, Ethan Johnson, Jax Burgoyne, and George Nelson; two great-grandsons: Barrett Jeffrey and Brecken Jack; two brothers Dan (Barb) Toftum of rural Amherst and Jerry (special friend Kay) Toftum of Weston; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Tony Smith of Waupaca, Brian (Terri) Smith of Waupaca, Perry (Heather) Smith of Waupaca, Rodney Smith of Greenville, NC, Annie Nicewander of Manawa, Pat (Paul) Arnold of Manawa, Margaret (Dan) Bertram of Waupaca, and Kathie Smith of Waupaca; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Leona Toftum; his parents-in-law Ron and Helen Smith; a grandson Sammy Ray Burgoyne; two sisters-in-law Shelley Toftum and Char Smith; two brothers-in-law Ted and Hank Smith; and a nephew Jessie Kimball. Mark’s family takes comfort in knowing he is now reunited with his beloved dog, Sammy, in heaven, where they are surely spending peaceful days together once again. Mark’s family invites all who knew him to join in celebrating his life on Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at O’Brien’s On Main, 128 N. Main Street, Amherst, WI. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or ThedaCare at Home Hospice (Waupaca Hospice Fund) in Mark’s memory. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements. Mark’s memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, whose lives were made richer by his presence. His warmth, stories, and quiet strength will be dearly missed. The family would like to thank Dr. Chen and staff with Waupaca Oncology and ThedaCare at Home Hospice for all of their help and support given to our family. The special care Mark received will never be forgotten.

Mark R. Toftum

February 17, 1949 - September 10, 2024