Mark William Bugella, age 64 of Barron, passed away with his daughters by his side on Saturday September 26, 2026 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire WI.

He was born on February 6, 1962 in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin to William and Natalie (Felix) Larsen. Later adopted by Robert Bugella.

Mark grew up in Chippewa Falls where he attended school at both Stillson and Notre Dame. He moved to Chetek in 1971 where he graduated in 1980. Mark worked locally at ABC furniture, where he met Kelli Robey (Lotts). They were married August 29, 1981. Mark and Kelli had two daughters, Nikki and Randi. He and his family moved to Walworth, in southern Wisconsin in the mid 80’s. Later married Terri Nilson of Chicago on July 10, 2004.

Mark worked for numerous construction companies in the northeastern part of Illinois and the Chicago area, and excelled in his construction career. He built everything from roads, bridges, schools, churches and even high-rises, moving him up to a Superintendent in his field.

Mark considered himself as an avid Grill Master. Whenever he could, he would cook for people and volunteered to make his famous chicken and ribs. He was a man of faith and loved his family immensely. He looked forward to the holidays, opener of deer hunting, camping, the family sledding party, and of course the BIG Family reunion at his sister, Heidi’s house. He frequently made a point to swing into Irvine Park in ChippewaFalls, where he thought was his heaven on Earth.

Mark was always the “Life of the Party,” always up for a good time. Whether it was a good story or a song, in his soul he had a way of capturing everyone’s attention when he walked into a room. Music was a big part of his life, he was a very talented musician. He was self-taught to play the guitar, piano, and a little bit of drums. He performed in a few local bands in the 70’s and 80’s, a rock band called, “The Exception.” Later he then played with his brother-in-law Jeff Robey in the “The Trouble Boys,” and in Southern WI he was, “Mark B and the Nobody’s.” If there was ever a chance for him to preform he jumped at it.

After many years in construction and the daily grind, he decided it was time to retire and come home. He moved back to the area in June 2024, where he spent the next few years spending time with family, catching up with old friends, and making new ones.

Mark is survived by his two daughters Nikki (Donald) Ballard, Randi Zinsmaster, 3 grandchildren: Aiden Ballard, Mekah and Michael Zinsmaster. Mother: Natalie Bugella, Sister: Heidi (John) Christianson, Brother: Jeff Bugella, Brother: Anthony (Laura) Bugella, Step Siblings: Gary (Jill) Bugella, Bobby (Debbie) Bugella, Julie Bugella, and Neal Bugella, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

He is proceeded in death by his father: William Larsen, Stepfather: Robert Bugella, Brother: Craig Bugella, Brother: Scott Bugella. Step Siblings: Paul (Barry) Bugella, Diane Bugella Davis, and Brian Bugella.

Funeral Mass will be held at St. Boniface Catholic Church (Chetek) on Saturday October 17, 2026 at 11am. Followed by a Celebration of Life at Fire Away Roadhouse and Rest Camp (Chetek) from 1-4pm.

Burnham-Ours-Kolstad has been entrusted with arrangements.