Mark Wollen, age 56, of Republic, Missouri, passed away peacefully on January 8 after a long and courageous journey fighting cancer since 2021.

Mark was born on January 3, 1970, in Taunton, Massachusetts. He later made his home in Republic, Missouri, where he built a life centered around family, friends, and his lifelong passion for cars. Mark worked for his dad for several years through Ed Wollen Contract Painting before he went on to pursue his lifelong dreams. Mark made a living buying and selling classic cars and always was  up for adventures of barn finds, a trade that perfectly matched his enthusiasm, knowledge, and love for anything with an engine. If it involved cars, Mark was all in.

Mark was known for his kind heart and outgoing personality. He was a kid at heart—always dancing, singing, laughing, and bringing energy into any room he entered. He would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need and never hesitated to help others.

Above all, Mark was a devoted family man who deeply loved his wife and cherished every moment with his children and grandchildren.

Mark is survived by his beloved wife, Amy Wollen of Republic, mother Dorathy  Mullikin of Springfield ; eight children,son Rob and wife Amanda Gregory of Lawrence KS  , son Mark Jr of Springfield MO, daughter Alyssa and Fiancé James Brown of Republic MO, son Colton Montgomery of Republic MO, daughter Callie Wollen of Springfield MO, daughter Courtney and Husband Channing Peek of Republic MO, son Daylen and Wife Josalyn Wollen of Republic MO, daughter Stella Wollen of Republic MO ; and 15 grandchildren, Grace, Matthew, Hayden, Brooklyn , Braxton, Emily ,Ledger , Dakyran , Donnell, Jettson , Oakley, Araiah, D’Zion , Gabriella , Harper; 2 brothers Randy, Josh , 5 sisters, Tina, Jessica, Tammy, Meghan, Cheri; nieces and nephews and cousins and a host of numerous friends.

He was preceded in death by his Father Ed Wollen , nephew Braden Turley

A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 15, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Greenlawn North Funeral Home in Springfield, Missouri. Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, January 16, at 2:00 p.m., also at Greenlawn North.

I’m Free

Don’t grieve for me for now I’m free,

I’m following the path God laid for me

I took his hand when I heard him call,

I turned my back and left it all

I could not stay another day,

To laugh, to love, to work or play

Tasks left undone must stay that way,

I’ve found that peace at the close of day

If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered joy

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

Ah yes, these things I too will miss

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,

I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow

My life’s been full, I’ve savored much,

Good friends, good times, my loved one’s touch

If my time seemed all too brief,

Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief

Lift up your heart, rejoice with me,

God wanted me now, He set me free.