On a professional level, he was a WI Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Food and Trade Inspector from 1978 to 1984. He was a Registered Sanitarian. Mark was an active member of the WI Association of Dairy Field Representatives, International Association of Milk, Food and Environmental Sanitarians (IAMFES), WI Association of Milk and Food Sanitarians(WAMFS); President 1992; Chair of Administrative Committee, 1994 to 1996 and Northeast WI Dairy Technology Society; President 1996-1997. He served on the WI Dairy Products Association advisory committee for policy development for National Conference of Interstate Milk Ships. He was an Industry member of the Program Advisory Committee for Quality Improvement Process Specialist program at Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton campus. He was appointed as meeting facilitator: for 1996-1997. He was invited as Session Facilitator for HACCP Seminar sponsored by WI Dairy Products Association in 1994 and HACCP Workshop by WAMFS in 1994. He was awarded the prestigious Sanitarian of the Year Award in 1996 by the WI Association of Milk and Food Sanitarians. He was also an active member of Executive Agenda 14 and in regular attendance at "Best of TEC" and Senior Managers Program events.
Mark was very active in his community and church. He was a coach in the Oshkosh Youth Soccer Club for five years. He volunteered his time for the Cancer Relay for Life and Cancer Survivors Day. As a member' of Immanuel Lutheran Church, he served on Church Council was Superintendent of Christian Education and played on the Dartball Team. Mark was an accomplished carpenter. He.literally rebuilt his house in Oshkosh room by room. He enjoyed deer hunting at Armstrong Creek with his sons, father, brothers and nephews. He also enjoyed the annual family trout fishing weekend on the Peshtigo River. His favorite hobby was bird hunting with his faithful companion Rhine-Hund at Shay Lake.
Survivors include Jan, his wife of 29 years; two sons, Nathan, Green Bay; and Justin, Oshkosh. He is also survived by his parents, E. John and Ruby Nelson, Watertown; five brothers, Jon and Shirley, David and Nancy, Tim and Lisa and Joel, al1 of Wastertown,; Paul and Susan, Osseo; and one sister, Gail, Grafton; Jan's family, Art and Edith Anderson, Waunakee; Jeff and Jill Anderson, Arlington, Texas; and Jil1 and Todd Ames, Madison; nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, good neighbors and many beloved friends. Mark was preceded in death by his sister, Beth; and his brother, Steven. Family and friends many ca11 at the Seefeld Family of Funeral Chapel., 300 N. Eagle St., in Oshkosh, from 4 to 8 pm on Friday. Funeral Services were held on Saturday, Feb. 27, 1999 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 338 N. Eagle St., with the Rev. Jan C. Eggert officiating. A memorial has been established.