Mark was born on February 12, 1956, to Ruth (Hodgkins) and David Stanley in Rice Lake, WI. As the son of a veterinarian and nurse, he forged a lifelong love for animals, science, and caring for others among the natural landscape of his childhood home alongside his two brothers. He graduated from Rice Lake High School in 1974 where he excelled in academics and sports, and went on to earn both his Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry & Secondary Education and his Master's in Environmental Public Health from UW-Eau Claire.

Mark devoted his life to education, coaching, and mentoring. For 25 years he taught chemistry and coached at Memorial High School before spending sixteen more years as a lecturer at UWEC. Regardless of age or ability, Mark approached every student with unparalleled compassion and patience, believing his role extended beyond a textbook or scoreboard. His proudest athletic accomplishment was coaching his three children and instilling in them a love for sports and teamwork.

Above all else, Mark treasured his family. He married his soulmate Kelly (Polenz) on August 18, 1984, and together they raised three children whom he loved without limit. Mark led his life with an unrivaled level of empathy, and the kind nature of the kids he and Kelly raised is a testament to their parents' strong example and the love that they centered in their home. Mark's wit, smarts, love of music, and sense of humor were unmatched and could be called upon in a myriad of situations, whether it be to lighten the mood, impart wisdom, play a song, or shut down an internet troll. When necessary, Mark could employ a barbed tongue to defend those he loved or who he felt were disenfranchised, and he fought until his death to do what he could to ensure a better world for all people.

Mark bravely battled health complications for several years, but his family always lifted him up. In 2015, his youngest son Sam heroically served as a partial liver donor, prolonging Mark's life and allowing him to meet his first grandchild, Sam's daughter Sylvee. He spent those additional ten years loving hard and being loved hard in return. Though physically gone, Mark's adoration and dedication will be felt by Sylvee, her sibling due in April, and all future Stanleys to come.

Mark is survived by his wife of forty-two years, Kelly; sons Cameron and Samuel (Sierra West); daughter Lydia (Bryan Anderson); granddaughter Sylvee; brothers Robert (Barb) and David; many cousins, nieces, nephews, and other relatives; close circle of longtime friends; and many students and athletes whose lives he impacted. His family is also deeply grateful for the world-class care provided by the medical professionals at Mayo Clinic throughout his years of treatment. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and David, and his sister-in-law Linda.

A visitation for Mark will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026 from noon until 3 PM, at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54703. Online condolences for Mark's family may be left at www.lenmarkfh.com.