Mark S. Davini

Mark Davini, age 67, of La Crescent, MN, passed away peacefully at home on January 13, 2026, surrounded by love. Mark shared his life with his wife, Barbara Kelsey, the love of his life. He had a generous heart and a fun, irreverent sense of humor that never dimmed, even in the hardest moments. He loved making people laugh, lifting their spirits, and reminding them not to take life too seriously. Above all, he was a creative and authentic soul who drew wonderful people into his life. He loved being a dad, brother, grandpa, uncle, musician, mentor, friend and husband. He shared everything he had with the people he loved and made every room warmer, funnier, and more musical simply by being in it.

Mark was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, on November 21, 1958, the fifth child and baby of the family. His father passed away in 1960, a seismic event for his family. In 1966, Mark moved to Madison, Wisconsin, with his mother and two older brothers, where his mother completed a BA and two master’s degrees, setting an early example of curiosity, determination, and lifelong learning. Growing up in Madison, Mark was surrounded by music. Influenced by the records his older brothers brought home and the classical music his mother loved and played, Mark developed a deep appreciation for all styles of music. Although he could read music, he rarely needed to, he could simply feel it.

Mark graduated from Malcolm Shabazz Alternative High School, an experience that helped shape his creative, independent, and off-beat spirit. He then devoted himself fully to music, pursuing it as a career for nearly a decade. He played gigs many nights a week while holding down a day job, went on tour, and immersed himself in the life of a working musician. After ten years, he returned to school, first attending Madison Area Technical College and later enrolling at the University of Wisconsin—Madison. He earned his Mass Communications degree from UW–Madison in 1994, working during his college years at the Instructional Media Development Center (IMDC) an experience that shaped his technical skills and set the trajectory of his career. In 2008, he earned a master’s degree in Career and Technical Education from UW–Stout.

He was employed at Western Wisconsin Technical College as a Media Producer from 1996 to 2003, and then as an instructor, teaching Visual Media and Digital Media Production until his retirement in 2022. He inspired students to see the world differently and believe in their own creativity. He was known not only for his skill and expertise, but also for the way he made learning fun with a quick joke, a mischievous grin, or a perfectly timed inappropriate one-liner that only Mark could pull off. An “edutainer” at heart, he connected deeply with many students who later became colleagues and lifelong friends.

Mark loved collaborating with other musicians, helping to bring original songs to life. He worked on many recordings and CDs, lending his ear to shape arrangements, write or refine parts, and elevate songs simply by listening closely and knowing what was needed. Whether he was behind a keyboard or a mixing board, Mark had a rare ability to hear what was possible and make it real.

Born with a creative spirit, Mark spent his life bringing joy, art, and music into the world. A gifted musician with a soulful ear, he played in countless bands over the years. He loved rhythm and blues, soul, Zydeco, anything funky, and later developed a deep admiration for Americana and drone music. Whether on stage, collaborating on a new song, or simply playing at home, music was woven through every part of Mark’s life. It was his way of connecting with friends, family, and the world. Besides being a musician, he was also a videographer, photographer, actor, voiceover artist and certified commercial drone pilot. He loved technology, retro keyboards, beautiful guitars and fixing things for himself and others.

Mark and Barbara blended their families and built a home full of love, laughter, shared food and conversations. They shared a passion for travel. Mark always said Barb was his best audience, and she cherished being his person — the one he challenged, supported, and loved deeply.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, William J. and Thurston H. Davini. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Kelsey; his children, Michael (Julia) Lyons, Katie Davini, and Morgan (Xochitl) McClellan; and his cherished grandchildren, Calvin and Felix McClellan, and Ella Batten. He is also survived by his sister, Grace (Fred) Hatton; his brothers, Paul (Hua) Davini, William (Ruth) Davini, and Peter (Debbie) Davini; his in-laws, Larry and Louise Kelsey; Barbara’s siblings, Ann (Dave) Krause, Mike Kelsey, Eileen (Jim) Wiltinger, Ellen (Myron) Daubert, and John Kelsey; and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. He is also survived by his faithful dog, Milo; his constant companion, enthusiastic fetch player and nap partner.

Mark faced a difficult liver cancer diagnosis in June 2023 with courage and grace. His family is deeply grateful for the compassionate support provided by Mayo Clinic and St. Croix Hospice.

He is survived by those who loved him deeply and who will carry his memory and his music forward. His presence will be missed beyond words, but the echoes of his kindness, creativity, and laughter will be felt for years to come.

A celebration of Mark’s life will be held in the spring where friends and family will gather to share stories, music, and memories — just the way he would have wanted.