Mark was a wonderful person who was Always willing to help out with any project! When my husband was in an accident which has left him in a permanent w/c Mark offered his assistance in helping us in any capacity needed. Mark is missed. He was also a great cook! The Salvation Army lost an intragal part of their cooking staff. R2

So sorry to learn of Mark’s illness and dead. He was a very special person, too smart for his own good!

I remember fondly his meeting me for dinner at a rooftop restaurant in Burlington when I was there for a meeting. It was a lovely place, and he was a gracious host. He was always thoughtful, interested in political philosophy and strategy, and very helpful with JoCoRepublicans.

His passing was much too soon. God be with the family and his soul.

Deb and Edgar Thornton

Dear family and friends of Mark,

I met Mark through the Johnson County Republicans. He was always there when our group needed help with something.

Being fairly new to the IC area, I especially liked him because he was very conversational and easy to get to know.

I feel like he is gone before his time and am sorry to lose him.

Peace be with you,

Robert

Will remember Mark as a kind, engaging and dedicated worker and activist for the Republican Party. He always treated people with respect. I meet so many folks, that sometimes I don’t always remember specific names attached to specific faces. But he was one that stood out as very special. He was one of a kind! Respectfully, Steve Scheffler, Republican National Committeeman for Iowa.

Mark was a good conservative dedicated to our work here in Johnson County and will be missed.

Cathy Grawe

I am thinking of you during this difficult time. May God comfort you in the days ahead as Romans 15:5 says he supplies comfort and endurance. My deepest sympathies to the family of Mark. I am so sorry for your loss.

Mark and I worked closely together for over a year at the Johnson County Republicans. He was dependable, a straight shooter, and a wonderful cook. You could always rely on Mark to volunteer at any time. I will miss him dearly, as will many others.

So sorry to hear of Mark's passing. Mark was a contributor to community and UI student life and will be missed. RIP.

My deepest sympathy to the family.

Mark was an important part of the Johnson County Republicans, he will be greatly missed by all of us. His monthly meals were delicious and his service as an officer was very dedicated.

Mark was my first cousin and I was eight years older than Mark. I remember all of my Bachman, Decker and Lemon cousins, but Mark was rarely seen and I hardly remember him when our families gathered at my grandmother’s house for Thanksgiving or Christmas. He was never at the family reunites that were held in Clarence or the Red Oak Park near Tipton. I would at times hear from my mother, who heard from Mark’s mother, that Mark was taking classes at the U of I, which seem to go on forever and was staying at one of the fraternity houses for some reason or other. Mark was a man of mystery! Iowa City appeared to always be his home. I did see and chat with Mark one night at my place of employment on the U of I campus. Mark was accessing the 24 hour computer lab that is attached to the computer operations center where I was employed. It was good to see him, but still there was that sense of “mystery”. I would see Mark at his parent’s 50th anniversary party and then the last time at his mother’s funeral. I know Mark was very active in the Johnson County Republican party and the Newman Catholic Student Center, so I’m sure he had friends who he could be with and connect with. It’s always sad to have a family member pass. Mark is now with his loving parents again. Bless Mark.