Obituary of Mark A Huisenga

Mark Alan Huisenga, longtime resident of Iowa City, died Friday, September 11, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. He was a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He loved sharing a good story and a big laugh.

Mark was born September 18, 1953, in Sibley, Iowa the son of Robert and Leona (Bustad) Huisenga. Following graduation from Sibley High School he attended the former Westmar College where he played baseball, basketball, tennis, golf, football—and even added one season as a cheerleader. While in school in LeMars, he met Teresa Wallace, his wife of 53 years. They lived for a short time in Glenwood, Iowa before moving to Iowa City in 1985.

Mark found his professional home in car sales. After being recruited by his uncle Jake Bustad, he realized he could find great fun in sales—meeting new people, developing relationships, and eventually writing (and sometimes starring-in) local radio and television ads. He worked for Bustad Toyota, McGurk-Meyers Chrysler Plymouth, and West Branch Ford.

He was a die-hard Iowa Hawkeye fan and, for decades, a devoted tailgate host. Like many Huisenga’s, he loved to golf. In retirement he also enjoyed devoting more time to cooking, his yard, and meeting and making new friends.

His great joy was his family, immediate and extended; he joined, followed, and celebrated their activities with great passion. This was particularly true of his grandchildren. He was a playful and energetic grandpa, who took immense pride in watching them grow, always ready with a joke, a helping hand, or a little bit of wisdom. He simply loved being a part of their lives.

His family includes his wife, Terry; their three children, Luke Huisenga (Jessica Waters), Megan Lopez (Nick) and Joel Huisenga; five grandchildren, Lyla, Quincy, Beau, Sam, and Nina; siblings, Kirk Huisenga (Becki), Vickie Krogman, Melinda Huisenga, Amy Trewin (Jim) and Susan Potter; in-laws, Linda Wiltfang (Dan), Martha Sands (Royce), and Joel Wallace (Sharleen).

Mark was preceded in death by his and Terry’s parents, his infant sister, Lisa Huisenga, his sister-in-law, Candy Huisenga, his brothers-in-law, Steve Potter and Phil Wallace, and his niece, Ali Huisenga and his nephew, R.J. Sands.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 5pm at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service, with visitation from 3 to 5pm that day.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation (AA·MDS).

Mark loved a story and connection with an old friend. To share a thought, memory, or condolence please visit the funeral home website @ www.gayandciha.com.