Mark David Stevermer

Mark David Stevermer of Leawood, KS, passed away Monday, June 13, 2005, at his home. Mark was born December 11, 1952, in Minneapolis, MN, to Mark Edward Stevermer and Vivian (Caldwell) Stevermer (deceased). His family moved to Shawnee, KS, in 1955. Mark grew up in the loving companionship of his parents and his eight siblings; Beth Finn (Kansas City), Brian (deceased), Douglas (LaCrosse, WI), Kaye Stevermer (Prairie Village, KS), Lynda Beinlich (Lakeland, MN), Richard (Edgerton, KS), Kim (Shawnee, KS), and Edward (Gardner, KS). Mark was a member of the first class to graduate from Shawnee Mission Northwest High School. Following graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force Reserve. He was a life-long learner, completing coursework at KU, K-State, and UMKC. Mark's love of architecture and contruction was expressed in his career in building and remodeling, and he earned the designation of Certified Remodeler with NARI. Along with constructing his parents' family home, he made a significant contribution to the family contracting business. Mark treasured the time spent in church activities as a member of the Sixth Church of Christ Scientist in Kansas City, MO. He supported his community as a volunteer in the Leawood Citizen's Police Academy. He was a patron of the Kansas City Symphony, Friends of Art, Friends of Chamber Music and a member of the Leawoodite's Dance Club. Loved one's relied on Mark's courage, strength, and leadership in times of need. His extraordinary stamina and tenacity was displayed by his 67 marathon completions, including medals from the Boston Marathon, the 100 Mile Arkansas Traveler, and other ultra marathon runs in 17 states. On July 2000, a blind date sparked the love which would ground Mark in a marriage to Helen Barr (Leawood, KS) that produced his cherished family, daughter Julia, and son Harrison. Mark lived life as a poet, runner, singer, dancer, gourmet cook, builder, farmer, hunter, and soldier, as well as loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend. He is survived by his wife Helen; daughter Julia; son Harrison; father Mark; seven siblings; and many nieces and nephews. Private services will be held on Sunday, June 19. In lieu of flowers, the family has established a child's education fund for memorial contributions, payable to Julia Stevermer, Commerce Bank, 4006 83rd St., Prairie Village, KS, 66208.