Mark L. Anderson

Mark L. Anderson, 55, of La Crosse, Wis., died Saturday, February 15, 2020, in his home. He was born in Milwaukee, Wis., on July 18, 1964 to Roger and Mary Jane (Fronsoe) Anderson.

Mark graduated from Onalaska High School Class of 1982. He began his career in hospitality shortly afterwards as a bartender at the former Fireside Supper Club on highway 16 in Medary.

There, he mastered the art of the Martini, Old fashion, Manhattan and Grasshopper in his white shirt and tie in true supper club fashion of the time. The Fireside would later close with very short advanced notice to staff. Roscoe Short would learn of Mark’s situation and brought him in to the Vogue Bar right away. Not only did Mark have a new job, he would now become a “Northsider”, a status he was most proud of.  Mark continued on working at both Fish’s and Sam’s Bar until the time of his unexpected death. Mark never married and that was probably just as well because there would not have been enough time in the day for both a dog and a spouse. His first Golden Retriever, Shasta, owned Mark from 2000 to 2011. “Inseparable” would not fully describe them. Eventually, Bailey took over to fill the void and Mark was complete again. Mark enjoyed chill time with just his dog after work or returning from a trip.  He was proud of Shasta and Bailey except for when they went for a walk without him. Mark was embarrassed when his dog returned home, being let out of the back seat of squad car, with all the neighbors watching. Mark enjoyed his road trips, long and short. From NASCAR at Bristol, Badger games, Chetek Lakes, his brother’s home in northern Minnesota or his sister’s home on the east shore of Lake Michigan to name a few. Other trips involved just he and the dog camping somewhere in northern Wisconsin. This was carried over from our childhood days at grandpa’s cabin near Minocqua and dining at numerous supper clubs in the woods. His day trips up and down along the river were important to him as well. His love for the river began by tagging along with mom and dad on board their cruiser “Romar” . His friends on the river would later allow him to continue that tradition.  Mark’s influence on people is clearly evident by the profound outpouring of support from all his friends and coworkers. Northsiders do take care of their own and their families, like Chad and Meghan, Bailey’s Godparents, who have taken Bailey into their home where she can live out her life with and around those who love her.  Thank you Chad for all you endured that night. Thank You Patty making the notification to us.

He is survived by on sister: Kim Anderson of Stevensville, Mich., and one brother: Greg (Mischelle Vietanen) Anderson, of Saginaw, Minn.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mark will be cremated and later buried with mom and dad in the Onalaska cemetery. In true Northside tradition, Bailey, along with Mark’s family, employers, coworkers and friends, are hosting a celebration of Mark’s life, at Sam’s Bar on George street on April 18th with times to be announced.  We would love for you to join us.