Lakeville, MN — Remembering Mark Malenke: A Life of Dedication, Leadership, and Heartfelt Kindness

LAKEVILLE, MN — October 21, 2025 — The Lakeville community and the Kraft Heinz Food Company are mourning the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Mark Malenke, a respected Business Engineer, mentor, and friend whose exceptional career and genuine compassion left a profound impact on those around him. Mark’s unexpected passing has left a deep void not only within the halls of Kraft Heinz, where he was admired for his intelligence and innovation, but also throughout Lakeville, where he was cherished as a neighbor, family man, and friend.

A Legacy of Excellence and Integrity

Mark Malenke was more than just a skilled engineer—he was a visionary thinker and a cornerstone of his workplace. Over his many years with The Kraft Heinz Company, Mark earned a reputation for his tireless work ethic, precision, and commitment to excellence. His colleagues remember him not only for his technical expertise and leadership but also for his kindness, humility, and willingness to help others grow.

“Mark was the kind of colleague everyone relied on,” said one of his longtime coworkers. “He didn’t just solve problems—he taught others how to think through them. He believed in lifting people up, and that’s something that will never be forgotten.”

Through his work, Mark helped shape innovative processes and fostered a culture of collaboration that extended far beyond his department. He was known for finding joy in teamwork and always sought to bring out the best in everyone he worked with. His presence was steadying, his laughter contagious, and his door always open.

A Devoted Family Man and Community Member

Outside of his professional life, Mark was deeply rooted in his Lakeville community. He was a loving husband, father, and friend who lived his life guided by compassion, loyalty, and faith. Family and friends describe him as a man who made everyone feel valued—a listener, a helper, and a source of encouragement when it was needed most.

Whether volunteering at local events, supporting community projects, or simply offering a kind word to neighbors, Mark embodied the spirit of service. He believed in giving back and often led by quiet example, teaching those around him that true success comes not from what one achieves alone, but from how one uplifts others.

“Mark made you feel seen and appreciated,” said a family friend. “He had this rare ability to make people feel comfortable—like they mattered. He treated everyone with respect, no matter who they were.”

A Sudden Loss, A Lasting Impact

The news of Mark’s passing has rippled through both his workplace and the Lakeville community. At Kraft Heinz, his colleagues have created a memorial space where employees can leave notes, flowers, and memories honoring the man who was both a mentor and a friend. In Lakeville, neighbors have expressed their condolences with heartfelt tributes, remembering Mark for his kindness, humor, and unwavering integrity.

Though his passing was sudden, his impact will remain for years to come. His influence lives on in the projects he guided, the coworkers he inspired, and the countless lives he touched through simple acts of goodness.

Honoring His Memory

Plans are underway for a celebration of life ceremony in Lakeville, where family, friends, and colleagues will come together to honor Mark’s life, his accomplishments, and his legacy. The family has expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they’ve received and is asking that those who wish to honor Mark consider donating to a STEM education scholarship fund being established in his name—continuing his lifelong dedication to learning and innovation.

A Life That Will Never Be Forgotten

Mark Malenke’s story is one of dedication, compassion, and quiet greatness. He lived with purpose, worked with passion, and loved without condition. His life reminds us that true success lies not in titles or accolades, but in the kindness we share and the lives we better along the way.

As both the Kraft Heinz family and the Lakeville community grieve his loss, they also celebrate the life of a man who showed through every action that integrity and empathy can change the world—one person, one moment at a time.

Rest in peace, Mark Malenke (1979–2025).
Your leadership, friendship, and heart will forever remain a guiding light to those who had the honor of knowing you.