Mark Rankin, "Mark Smart", age 68, of Sturgeon Bay, WI, passed away from cancer on Sunday, March 1, 2026 with family by his side.
A man of many talents and an even greater sense of humor, Mark lived a life defined by his ability to fix things-whether it was an engine, a broken piece of equipment, or someone's bad mood.
Born on June 12, 1957 in Sturgeon Bay, WI, Mark was a lifelong learner with an eclectic career path. He initially attended college for Mortuary Science, before spending many years showcasing his mechanical skills at C&W Auto. In a testament to his drive, he later returned to school to become an X-ray technician, serving patients at Aurora Health Care in Sturgeon Bay until his retirement in 2020.
While 2019 brought the challenge of a cancer diagnosis, Mark faced it with his trademark resilience, going into remission in 2022. Outside of work, Mark was most at home in his garage, often with the music of KISS playing in the background. He was a master tinkerer who could find a use for almost anything, and nowhere was more evident than in his legendary Halloween display. Known to the community as "Rankin Manor," he spent countless hours "bringing to life" new ghouls and creatures to delight and spook the neighborhood.
With all this, the thing he loved the most was being with family. He would learn to play songs on his guitar just so the grandkids could sing along with him on camping trips and he never missed a sporting event or activity the grandkids were in.
Mark never met a stranger; he could strike up a conversation with anyone and had a supernatural ability to find the perfect movie quote or song lyric for any situation. If you spent five minutes with him, you were guaranteed a laugh.
Mark is survived by his devoted spouse, his high school sweetheart, Kathy Rankin; his children, Jesse (Ann) Rankin and Chelsea (Bob) Bittorf; his siblings, Pat (Vicki) Rankin, Cindy Lesperance, Tanya Olsen, Mike (Mikki) Rankin; his mother-in-law, Beatrice Bellin; his four grandchildren, Kane, Layla, Olivia, and Ava; and many more loved relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wally and Georgia Rankin; his father-in-law, Gene Bellin; and his beloved grandchildren, Emma, and Violet.
Friends may call Friday, March 20, 2026 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Huehns Funeral Home. All friends and family are invited to a celebration of Mark's life that will continue Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Institute Saloon from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
In accordance with Mark's wishes, cremation has taken place.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Mark's honor to Door CANcer, Inc. (www.doorcancer.com), reflecting his strength in his battle against cancer and his love for his community.
"You want the best, you got the best."
Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Mark may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.HuehnsFuneralHome.com.
