Mark and Carol welcomed Chris and I to St. Andrew after we moved to Iowa City. We both loved and appreciated him as our pastor. But, it was well after his retirement that I spent any meaningful time with him and it was because he reached out in support of my brother. This allowed me to have several really cool phone calls and visits to Carol and Mark's home. I will treasure those memories. Prayers to Carol and family.

Beth Anne

When my daughter, Emma, was 5, we started going to St. Andrew, that was where my boss Clifton(Kip) Adam’s attended church. Emma went to Sunday School and later to Camp Stronghold, 3 times. I went to a Divorce Support group at St. Andrew. When I remarried, Mark was our pastor for Tom & I at Danforth Chapel. That was 26 yrs ago. When my parents were failing, Mark & Carol opened their home to the Aging Parents group. We loved and appreciated them so much. Our prayers go out to Carol at this tough time. Sharon & Tom Hansen

We had the good fortune to have been members of St. Andrew when Mark and Carol arrived. I recall, with great warmth, Mark's fantastic sense of humor. What a nice talent to have in a pastor!! He was a friend, a very fun guy, and as interesting as he was fun. In addition to his pastoral care, Mark played a significant role in our family's life twice. He was kind to officiate at our son's wedding which was a great blessing for their marriage. In addition, my mom died at age 93 of dementia. By that time, she had outlived all of my folks' friends, so just the immediate family attended her service. Mark graciously agreed to officiate having never met or seen her previously. I have always considered this to be one of the very most difficult tasks for a pastor. Mark took it in stride, as he did most things, interviewed our few family members briefly, rode with my wife and me to Marshalltown and conducted the funeral service in such a manner that anyone who would have heard his delivery would have thought that he had known her all of his life. I would not have believed it had I not been there. It was the most loving, kind, clever and humorous service I have ever witnessed. We shall forever be thankful to Mark for lending such good and professional support. He's fine now, of course. We send lots of hugs to you, Carol.

Mark was a kind and supportive person. He supported local social service agencies and efforts - always making his congregation aware of ways to help those who were less fortunate. Peace to all who knew him.

Mark was a person who wore his values on his sleeves and then rolled them up to get to work. It was a privilege to work with him to pass the Iowa City library bond referendum. He walked the talk! A life full of celebration.

When I moved to South 7th Avenue, Iowa City, the people across the street had a car bumper sticker that said, "Live Simply So Others May Simply Live." My across the street neighbors were Carol and Mark. We eventually met and I appreciated how genuine and caring the Martins were as neighbors and community members. They consistently lived as their bumper sticker advised. My condolences to Carol and family.

Mark was part of a presbytery Committee on Ministry assigned to guide the pastor nominating committee of First Presbyterian Church in Davenport when I was called as their pastor in 1996. He became a trusted guide, advisor and presbytery friend. We shared insights and experiences from our individual situations which strengthened each of us in our own congregational ministries. He left a legacy of growth and compassionate development and care at both St. Andrew PC and with other pastors throughout the presbytery. May indelible memories, loving friends and God’s creative Holy Spirit give his family and colleagues deep wells from which to draw their consolation!

Mark was our pastor for 20 years. He and Carol led our church according to the Gospel plan; it was an honor to serve as an elder and Sunday school teacher under his guidance. After we moved away in 1999, we kept in touch as friends for another 20+ years. Mark will be missed by many as a true child of God. Condolences to the family.

I was the pastor at First Baptist in Iowa City in the 90s and had so much respect for Mark. So sorry for your loss.

Sad news for our St Andrew family. Mark was beloved by many. He was pastor when we joined St Andrew in 1996 & baptized our twin sons in 1998. We offer our sympathy to Carol (who sang in the choir with us for a long time) and all their family. May his memory be a blessing to all who know & love him.