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Died peacefully at Northumberland Hills Hospital, Cobourg, on May 26, 2021, aged 71. He will be dearly missed by wife Beth (nee Ferguson), son David, son Ian and daughter-in-law Chantel (nee Waldbauer), granddaughter Lila, and siblings Karen Montaperto (Rob), Linda Frado (Dennis), and Paul Wagschal (Gwyn).
A retired Lutheran minister, Mark worked with his wife as co-pastors of Central Lutheran Church, Moose Jaw, SK; Peace Lutheran, Church Pickering, ON; and St. Paul’s, Bridgewater, NS. Mark also worked at the CIBC bank and Canada Post in Calgary, AB. He was a man of many skills and interests including music, technology, bee keeping, and small-scale maple syrup production. His deep calling was working on the land at Frogwood, the family property near Warkworth, ON.
A memorial service and interment will be held at a later date. Donations in his memory may be made to the Nature Conservancy of Canada or Habitat for Humanity Canada.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Nature Conservancy of Canada
Oh my Beth. We are so sorry to hear about Mark's passing. We still fondly remember our visit at Frogwood. We will make a donation to the Nature Conservancy of Canada in his memory.
Beth and family, I am so sorry to hear about Mark's passing. The both of you were on my mind today and when I searched for how to contact you I found his obit. Beth, you and Mark made a profound impact on our lives during our time at Peace Lutheran and even though the Lord took our family to our own ministry, we always considered your impact in our lives as precious and felt we learned so much about the love and grace of God through you. My Bill passed peacefully last June 21st (2020). God moved me to Victoria BC to start a new chapter. Know you will be on my heart and in my prayers as you travel the journey without your life partner. It will be a glorious, beautiful day when we are reunited in the presence of God.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Nature Conservancy of Canada
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Nature Conservancy of Canada
Our deepest sympathies to the whole family. We were saddened to hear his health had deteriorated so quickly. We will miss his easy way of sharing so much knowledge about nature and, of course, tractors. Mark was so warm and kind. We know we are lucky to have known him.
Our sincere sympathy and condolences to Beth and family. We fondly remember Pastor Mark, his humor and wonderful voice from times of gathering for joint church services and events. In the days ahead may you find comfort in leaning on our loving and gracious Lord.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Nature Conservancy of Canada
Dear Beth and Family, Such sad news to hear about Mark. His smile, as in the picture, is one thing we remember, along with this commitment to the earth and to all Creation. We remember so fondly our visit with you at Frogwood and Mark's delight in that special spot. God's peace be with you in this time of sadness and change. Bob and Nancy Kelly and Family
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Habitat for Humanity Canada
Pastor Beth, Brian and I were very sorry to hear about Pastor Mark. We both remember the kindness and comfort you and Pastor Mark gave to our family when dad was so ill. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Beth, Michael and I were so sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. Michael learned a lot from Mark and enjoyed their chime time together. Michael said the other day I need to do something but I don’t know what to do? I said, Mark would want you to continue to play!!
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Nature Conservancy of Canada
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Habitat for Humanity Canada
Such sad news. Beth, please know you and your family are in my prayers every day. Mark was so instrumental in making the Listening Circle happen by putting it on Zoom so we wouldn't lose touch during the pandemic. Mark will certainly be sorely missed and may he rest in peace. Blessings, Elaine
The Board members and staff of Northumberland United Way would like to offer our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. We have appreciated Mr. Wagschal's generosity and commitment to the community over the years. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
St Paul's, Bridgewater, NS, is sending their sincere sympathy to Beth and family in the passing of Mark. Both he and Beth were thought highly of during their time in Bridgewater. I am sure Mark will be truly missed and our prayers will be with Beth and family. May the Lord be with you in these challenging times. St Paul's Evangelical Church Council/Congregation
How do you explain the impact Mark made in his lifetime? His smile, his compassion, and his words of wisdom will be sorely missed. I met Mark at St. Peter's church "Thursday Night" supper gathering. I was always greeted warmly and with a big smile. After the dinner, Mark would often provide comfort support, and joy with his thoughtful words, great voice, and his guitar playing. We have lost a valuable member of our team. My thoughts are now with his family. I'm sure you all have countless wonderful memories of this outstanding man. My sincere condolences to Beth, David, Ian and the Wagschal family. Mark Edward Wagschal March 31, 1950 - May 26, 2021 REST IN PEACE, MARK.
My deepest condolences. It was a privilege to know Mark. He was a kind, thoughtful, and gentle man whom I respected. He will be remembered as someone kind, generous, empathic, and compassionate. He lived his faith in his actions and his words. I am so sorry for your loss.
Dearest Beth and family ... my heart and love reaches out to you all. Mark's love for his family and for all of creation will live on. For the moment, he's only a heartbeat away, but one day we will rejoice together. May you feel God with you and Spirit carrying you in arms of love. Peace, my dear sister.
Hi Beth and family: It is with great sadness that we heard of Pastor Mark’s passing. We have many fond memories of his and your time with us here at St. Paul’s. May God’s everlasting presence and strength surround you now and in the future as Mark goes on to be with our Lord. Distance Hugs, thoughts and prayers.
To Beth, Thursday night dinners pre-covid, friendly faces, people conversing, and a small gathering to finish the evening with Mark generally leading with his guitar with songs of praise. So much love present with Mark, his soft tone and easy demeanour made him always approachable. God is not a fool. God has placed so many blessings in our paths. Mark was one of them Rest well God's servant.
So much more could be said of a life so rich, so full of curiosity about things and people, but this will be just a teaspoonful of maple syrup to stand in for the sweetness of a life well-lived for the glory of God and the love of family and friends. Mark left a big footprint and we will remember him with much fondness.
Dear Beth,Ian ,David & Family; My deepest condolences and prayers are sent to you on Mark’s passing. He is at peace, but will be very much missed. I have been blessed all these years to know him, and count him as a very close friend. Please be assured of my prayers. I will be in touch. Love- Catherine, S.P.
It is with great sadness that I write to you. Mark offered so much to so many and held my admiration and respect. I am so fortunate to have known him even if it was for such a short time. I will truly miss him. My deepest sympathy to you, Beth and to your family. Sincerely, Liz
I am so sorry to hear of Mark's passing. He was a lovely and warm person and I truly enjoyed knowing him. Beth and family, please know that you are in my prayers. God bless you and give you peace.
Beth, I was so sorry to hear of Mark's passing. I have fond memories of you both from my time at Peace, Pickering.
Dear Beth. We are so sorry for your loss. We saw Mark as a gentle and stately man who had a positive effect on everyone he met. St. Peters will miss him greatly.
Dear Beth and family, I am so very sorry for the loss of Mark from your lives. I am also supremely grateful that I had a chance to know him for even a short time. His “joie de vivre” was contagious 💕