Mark Robert Nelson, DVM, of Centuria, Wisconsin, passed away quietly on Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025, after a two-year battle with amyloidosis. He was 77 years old.
Mark was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Dorothy and Harold Nelson. He grew up in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. Thanks to his high school biology teacher, Mark was introduced to veterinary medicine as a potential career, and he never looked back. He attended and graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 1972. He married Jolayne (Joey) Sontag in 1969.
He had a passion for animals, even though growing up his only pet was a white rat. His later life was full of many pet dogs and cats as well as various cattle, sheep, goats, horses and ferrets.
Mark started his veterinary career working in Milltown, Wisconsin, and built Interstate Veterinary Hospital in Centuria in 1975. When he started practicing, his work in Western Wisconsin consisted of 80% dairy and 20% small animal but he felt the area was changing so he built the vet hospital with those changes in mind. And he was right because 50 years later the percentages of large and small animal work have reversed. He regretfully retired and sold the practice in 2017.
In addition to veterinary medicine, he loved the outdoors and all that comes with it whether it was hunting, fishing, scuba diving, trail riding, or working on his farm.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Harry Nelson; and numerous animal pets through the years.
He is survived by Joey, his wife of 55 years; son, Matt (Jennifer); daughter, Sara (Alex Perfetti); grandchildren, Tony and Joe Perfetti, and Evie and Dax Nelson; and beloved furry friends Tracker, Bullet, Pickle, Tiger, Gracie and Luna.
The Celebration of Life for Mark will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 13, at 2:00 p.m. at Joy Lutheran Church in Centuria. The family will greet guests at the church for a visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. Following the service, please join the family for lunch and continued visitation in the church fellowship hall.
Arrangements have been entrusted with the Kolstad Family Funeral Home in Centuria. Memorials are preferred to North Valley Lutheran Church, Centuria, or Arnell Humane Society, Amery, Wisconsin. Condolences may be expressed online at kolstadfamilyfuneralhome.com
