Mark C. Schug

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Professor Mark C. Schug on July 13th, 2026, at the age of 78.

Mark was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, colleague, and community member. Born in Minneapolis on December 23rd, 1947, Mark was the youngest of four. In his youth he worked alongside his siblings and parents in their family-owned restaurant and played the drums in a band with his brother, Jim. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota and then became a high school teacher. While working as a teacher, he continued his education at the University of Minnesota and ultimately earned a master’s degree and Ph.D. Mark then began his career in post-secondary education at the University of Minnesota where he served as the Associate Director for the Center for Economic Education. In 1980, Mark took a job as a professor in University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Department of Curriculum and Instruction, where he spent the rest of his career.

Mark’s love story with his wife, Io Schug (Meland), was a defining feature of his life. Married in 1968, Mark and Io shared the joys and challenges of life with each other for 57 years. After starting their lives together in Minneapolis, they moved together throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Florida. Together they raised a family and traveled the world. The affection and closeness they shared was an inspiration to all those that knew them.

Mark was endlessly proud of his daughters, Cassandra Schug (Thomas Mulligan) and Mariah Schug (Sahr Conway-Lanz). Like Mark, they both earned doctorates and followed in his footsteps by dedicating their careers to education. The time he spent with his grandchildren, Jay (Mulligan), Adelle (Mulligan), Finn (Mulligan), and Rozahna (Schug), was a source of great joy for him. He took his grandchildren with him on international travels and remote fishing adventures. But they may most cherish their memories of him from the family’s Wisconsin lake house, where he greeted them every morning with his delicious homemade breakfasts.

Mark was known amongst his colleagues for his enthusiasm and strong work ethic. He was a productive scholar, generous collaborator, and public figure. Over the course of his career, he was the longtime Director of the UWM Center for Economic Education, published over one hundred peer-reviewed papers, and wrote several books. He served in multiple professional organizations, regularly led workshops, and had recently received a large federal grant. Although he officially retired from his teaching position at UWM in 2007, his passion for his field remained. He continued working until his death.

The final years of Mark’s life were spent in the Del Webb Tradition community in Port St. Lucie, Florida, where he was a devoted and beloved community member. There, he established the Econ Club which had over one hundred members and regularly hosted prestigious guests. At his church, St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Port St. Lucie, he served on the Church Council in a number of positions including President and Vice President. He will be deeply missed in both his home and church communities.

Mark’s death was the result of a brief illness. Those who loved him may be comforted to know that he did not suffer. He was active and engaged until his final moments. In death, he joins his mother Rose Schug (Braun), father Christian Schug, sister Jeanette Leighton (Schug), brothers Kenneth Schug and James Schug, and nephews Micheal Leighton, Daniel Schug, and Jeffrey Schug. He will be lovingly remembered always by his wife, daughters, grandchildren, sons-in-law, and nieces.

There will be a celebration of life in his honor on August 29th at 4pm at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Port St. Lucie. Donations can be made to St. Andrew Lutheran Church or the charity of your choosing in lieu of flowers.