Mark R. Nylund

June 14, 1965 - January 24, 2020

Mark R Nylund, 54 of Crystal Falls, passed away unexpectedly on January 24, 2020 after being diagnosed with leukemia. He was born in Crystal Falls on June 14, 1965, son of Sally Nylund and the late Robert Nylund. He graduated from Forest Park High School in 1983 and Northern Michigan University in 1988 with a Degree in sports medicine. He married his Sunday school classmate and love of his life, Karen Woelffer in 1990 and they were excited to be celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary this April. Mark’s career began as a PT assistant with the Iron County Community Hospital and he diligently pursued his lifelong passion of becoming a physical therapist by working his way through graduate school and earning a degree from St Scholastica in 1998. He was currently the Aspirus Iron River rehabilitation department manager, where he had a dual role of providing patient care as a physical therapist and managing his rehab team. He believed in community service and volunteered himself and his staff by developing a concussion program for Iron County sports programs. He also volunteered his time on the playing field, serving as the football team’s therapist. He was known as “Mr. Miyagi” for working his magic on numerous athletes throughout the years, during games, practices and impromptu therapy sessions. His patients, coworkers and student athletes will miss him dearly. Mark’s love of sports began at an early age as he managed the FP trojans football and basketball teams before becoming a player himself. Trips to the state finals in both sports created memories and bonds that will always be cherished. He played basketball many years after high school with the McNeil Oilers and was always proud to represent Crystal Falls. His love of basketball was passed on to his children Abby and Max as he coached them through elementary, practiced with them, drove to team camps, supported them and the team by cheering, making and hanging signs, helping at numerous spaghetti dinners, driving many miles to watch them play and never missing a game. He was an avid Trojan and Lakeland University fan and enjoyed spending time with the basketball families. He was so proud of Abby and Max and beamed with pride watching their accomplishments in basketball and all aspects of life. He was their #1 fan. Following in his family’s footsteps, Mark was a member and Past Master Mason of the Crystal Falls-Iron River Lodge #385. In his free time, he loved being outdoors, especially spending time with big Max and little Max at camp. Mark inherited his Dad’s love for the game of golf and enjoyed playing on Wednesday nights with the men’s golf crew. He and Karen were often found with their Runkle Lake extended family on the pontoon enjoying lake life. Mark loved the Packers and hosted many Packer Parties in their basement for family and friends. Mark loved his family and was always patient, kind and concerned, making sure everyone was taken care of. Mark is survived by his loving wife, Karen Nylund; two children, Abby and Max Nylund; his mother, Sally Nylund; his in-laws Max and Nancy Woelffer; four siblings, Bobbie Stoor, Larry Nylund, Debbie (Dennis) Williams, Sally (Bill) Santilli, and sister-in-law, Mary (Bob) Patterson; many nieces, nephews, and cousins, along with numerous close, loving and supportive friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Nylund, his brother-in-law, Roger Stoor and loving friend Kim Shamion. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 30 from 4-7 at the Christ United Methodist Church and again Friday, January 31, from 10-11:30. The Crystal Falls-Iron River Masonic Lodge will hold a Masonic Memorial Service at 11:30 with the funeral service to follow. Pastor Vicky Prewitt will officiate. Condolences to the family of Mark Nylund may be expressed online at www.nashfuneralhome.net The family has entrusted the arrangements to the Nash Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Crystal Falls.