Mark Warren Haesly

Mark Warren Haesly, 70, passed away Sunday, March 1, 2026, after a nearly 7 year battle with lymphoma, leaving behind a life defined not by any single role, but by all of them at once: husband, dad, grandpa, teacher, coach, leader, and friend.Mark was born December 26, 1955, in Winona, Minnesota, the son of Dr. Warren and Shirley Haesly. After graduating high school in 1974, he followed in his family’s tradition of service, enlisting in the U.S. Navy where he served as a Torpedoman’s Mate aboard the USS Sample (FF-1048) at Naval Station Pearl Harbor, earning an honorable discharge in 1976. He then attended Winona State University, earning his degree in Physical Education and Health and his Master’s degree in Physical Education and Health in 1981.

It was love at first sight when Mark met Kathi Kaiser, and on August 8, 1981, the two were united in marriage, beginning a love that would span nearly 45 years and will live on forever.

What followed was a career that touched generations. Over 37 years, Mark taught in Prescott, Wisconsin and at Crestview Elementary in Cottage Grove, and kept busy every summer teaching drivers education. His passion for the sport of pole vault began in high school and spanned 49 years, including his tenure as head pole vault coach at Hastings High School and East Ridge High School. He never stopped.

Mark was an avid fisherman, a devoted Vikings fan, and a lover of classic rock. He was a man of deep faith in God, and above all else, was known for his love and care for others.

He is survived by his wife, Kathi Haesly; his children Adam Haesly, Lindsay Fischer (Sam Bates), and Matthew (Elizabeth) Haesly; his grandchildren Warren (12), William (9), and Adelaide (4) Haesly, and Ella (8) and Emma (6) Fischer; his beloved pet, Casper; and his sister, Rachel. He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Warren Haesly; his mother, Shirley Haesly; and his special grandmother, Fae Kiekbush; as well as many other relatives and dear friends.

Pallbearers are Hal Van Fossen, Al Heaser, Shawn Francis, Bob House, Greg Ness, and Jim Deedrick. Honorary Pallbearers are Matthew and Adam Haesly.

Memorials may be directed to the Lymphoma Research Foundation (lymphoma.org), St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Hastings Animal Ark, in hopes that others may one day be spared the battle Mark fought with such grace and strength.The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Dr. Gita Thanarajasingam, Emily Brigham NP, Dr. Jacob Strand and oncology nurse Toby Hughes of the Mayo Clinic, Rochester. He would not have made it this long without them.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 12 noon at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel with a visitation starting at 9:00AM and reception to follow. Interment will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Hastings.