Mark Willmert, Minneapolis, Minnesota Death: St. Paul Curling Club Veteran Mark Willmert Has Died

Mark Willmert, the initial driving factor behind the TCCA and The Big Spiel, is unfortunately leaving us.
Since founding the non-profit Twin Cities Curling Association and the Edina Curling Club, Mark, a longtime member of the St. Paul Curling Club, had taken the lead in bringing curling to the western suburbs. Even though the Edina endeavor didn’t last long, Mark had the idea to retain the TCCA organization in place so they could investigate additional possible gaming expansions in the Twin Cities metro area.

In order to help the Frogtown club in St. Paul get off the ground, Mark and the TCCA were crucial in supplying rocks and large email lists from the Edina venture. Soon after, they organized monthly meetings with representatives from each of the expanding number of curling facilities in the Twin Cities to encourage continued growth in the metro area and close collaboration among the member clubs.
Two of Mark’s offspring are doing well now. The TCCA Cup, which unites all of the Twin Cities, Minnesota metro clubs for a year-end playoff for local bragging rights, and the Big Spiel, which acts as the organization’s main source of funding.

Mark was a competitive competitor on the ice and a passionate supporter of curling. He has attended the Club National Championships and won multiple Minnesota state club medals.
Everyone who knew Mark’s love for curling will miss his influence on the sport.

The heartfelt ode to Mark was written by Bob Hedstrom. Bob was aware of everything Mark done for the Twin Cities Curling Community, and they were close friends.
“Mark, I’m happy that we were able to have you offer a Championship toast with your homemade limoncello and present you with a Founder’s award at the Big Spiel. We appreciate everything and shall miss you.