Meet Mark

Mark is dedicated to giving back to his community, devoting much of his time to volunteering. In 2022, he chaired the committee that built an inclusive playground/park in Pella, IA, and he is actively involved in the following organizations: 

Mark grew up on his family’s farm and started working at the local grocery store at age 17. It was there that he met his wife Christine, and the two have been together for more than 28 years. They live in Pella, Iowa (their home since 2002), and have two adult daughters, Sydney and Ellie. Outside of spending time with his family and friends, Mark enjoys volunteering in the community, golfing, hunting, and fishing.  

How would you describe your life using only three words?  

“Pay it forward.”  

What book has most impacted your life?  

“How many can I choose? There’s Half Time by Bob Buford, Slowing Down to the Speed of Joy by Matthew Kelly, The Right Side of the Table by Scott Fithian and Todd Fithian, which I read every year—and those are just a few. I usually read two to three books at a time.” 

What’s your favorite tradition?  

“Our Wiskus Annual Campout. Fifteen years ago, my brothers and I started taking our nine kids camping for a whole weekend each year. When we started, the youngest was just two. We’d go fishing, sleep in tents, and cook all our meals over the campfire. Now, our kids are older and don’t like sleeping in tents, so we have a lake house where everyone gets a bed. But we do it every year, one way or another!”  

What is one thing every person should add to their daily routine?  

“Reflection time, or ‘windshield time,’ as I call it. A few moments when there are no distractions, including social media. That allows you time to grow.”