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Mark Buessing Obituary

Buessing, Mark Thomas
was a well-respected business leader, husband, father, and good friend. He was born in Wichita, KS on July 28, 1952 to Mary and Barney Buessing. He and his family moved to Mesa, AZ in 1960. After graduating from Seton High School in 1970, he attended Mesa Community College for two years. In 1976, Mark and his brother Tom opened Apache Auto Wrecking. A savvy businessman, Mark and his brother later opened American Auto Wrecking. In 1996, Mark met the love of his life, Maureen Sheridan, and they married on April 19, 1997. Mark always wanted to have children, and they were blessed with their first son, Robert, on December 31, 1998. Mark was delighted that there would always be a party on their son's birthday. On November 1, 2000, they gave birth to their second son, John. Shortly after, Mark sold American Auto Wrecking to Ford Motor Company so he could spend time with his family. After his non-compete clause expired, he purchased an existing salvage yard that he rebuilt into the now state-of-the-art American Auto Recycling. Mark was an active philanthropist in his community. He coached his son's baseball team at St. Mary's and donated funds to the Sisters of Charity in PA. He served as president of the local and national branches of the Automotive Recyclers Association where he raised funds for their scholarship foundation. On October 11, 2014, while attending the Arizona Auto Recyclers Association's annual fundraiser, he suddenly passed away. He is survived by his wife Maureen, sons Robert and John, and siblings Ron Buessing, Judy Kepler, Dorothy Van Luchene, Patty Delci, Mary Thompson, and Tom Buessing. A Rosary will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2014 from 6-7pm at Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery located at 10940 E. Chandler Heights Rd. in Chandler, AZ 85249. A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 24, 2014 at 10am at St. Mary's Catholic Church located at 230 W. Galveston St. in Chandler, AZ 85225 with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the ARA Scholarship Foundation at a-r-a.org.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Oct. 17, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Mark Buessing

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Michael Buessing

November 2, 2017

Mark loved the movie line, "Fat dumb and stupid is no way to go thru life", that is also my memory of mark. I just found out about his passing, I was busy with a wheel rack, mark could have helped with the rack, as he was really good at doing wheel racks, over and over again. He taught me the importance of wheel racks, and why it was so important to spend extra time away from family and friends, to get the wheel rack just right. I miss that, about him, and the great movie line. Well, back to my wheel rack, I will redo it in honor of mark !

Jim Ziggler

January 16, 2015

I know he is singing an old song and eating a bacon cheeseburger in the sky!

Bobby Price

January 8, 2015

Shocking that a person in such amazing good shape, could suddenly pass!

November 4, 2014

Mark was a good friend and business associate. He will be greatly missed. We shared many good times and he touched so many lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Jerry Brock and the Brock Family

mike curcuro and family

October 31, 2014

so sorry to hear of marks passing the Buessing family is in my prayers

Scott Goble

October 25, 2014

I still struggle with the thought of Mark's passing. He was a fine, generous person, dedicated husband and father. A friend to many, including me. I was fortunate to know him, and wish the very best for his family.

Bob Chinn

October 25, 2014

There is a sad spot in all of our hearts for the passing of Mark . My prayers go out to his family as well. I met Mark and Tommy when I was 14 and fixing up my first truck . I will miss playing "Liars Poker" with dollar bills at Apache Auto Wrecking ! He always seem to win and will always be a winner in my heart ...

Frank Lacagnina

October 23, 2014

A great husband, father and friend. Always quick with a laugh, a game, a song or a helping hand.

Wendy, Brock Supply

October 22, 2014

My deepest condolences to the Buessing Family. It brought total sadness to my heart, when I heard of Mark's passing. Mark has touched many people, in his short stay, here on earth. He's left me with many funny memories. He'll definitely be missed and Never Forgotten! I will always remember the twinkle in his eye and smile on his face. I hope you keep them laughing in heaven.

Miss you my friend!

October 22, 2014

Mark always greeted everyone like a friend. He loved talking with people. Not shy on a stage as a speaker or a karaoke singer. We will never forget the first event we attended at the Buessing home. Mark broke out the karaoke SOUND SYSTEM and Maurine joined him in a duet to "Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash". Always full of life, fun, and love. He will be deeply missed...James & Chris Pautot & Glendale Auto Parts Team

Bob Workman

October 22, 2014

The days pass...and yet the very idea of Mark, of all people passing away just becomes so incomprehensible. And yet he was so dynamic and full of gusto for his work, his family and his endless friends that his essence can never be diminished. I honestly am at a loss for words of comfort. We all cling to each other looking for shelter at this time. It's apparent that we are here on Gods terms and can't expect to live forever, but loosing this man staggers the foundation we thought was so secure for us. From this moment forward ...I pledge to be more like Mark, a friend to all, to live a transparent life in business as well as personal relationships..to reflect the amazing person Mark was...an example to follow, thank God I was blessed to call him a friend for over 40 years, right here in my heart of hearts buddy! You made a huge difference because you lived.

October 22, 2014

To me it was an honor to be counted among Marks friends I was one of his many first customers when Tom and Mark open Apache Auto Wrecking. I work with his dad selling cars at Chevrolet.I could not believe Mark pass away when my son Bully told me I surely taught he was just confuse.Mark really show me his friendship when he show up for the funeral services of my wife Chacha I said that is my friend.I always enjoy his friendship and conversation and bus-dealings.Till we meet again some day soon .Your friend Johnny Rios Sr Rios Auto Sales in Chandler, AZ God Bless you and your family

October 21, 2014

Having met Mark and Tom at Apache auto wrecking when I moved to Arizona in 1978 it eventually appeared as if two Angels had been sent into my life. I followed my new found friends as they started American Auto Wrecking ( to become Recycling in lieu of wrecking) and their storage yard in Maricopa of which was to become Tom's Auto Parts Mall, and Mark returning with the purchase of his latest location. After relocating several years ago and vacationing back in Arizona We stopped at Tom's and later Mark's after which Marian said "your friends are some of the nicest people". How could it been said any better? I will miss not seeing Mark on our annual visits but he and Tom will be in my prayers always. Have a well deserved rest in pease Mark.

Tom Saelens

Tony and The Employees of Tire Solutions

October 21, 2014

My prayers go out to Tom and his family. I was lucky enough to have met Mark and his brother. We know Mark is in a better place now and he will surely be missed by many.

October 20, 2014

I had the pleasure not of saying that Mark was my friend, but of saying that I was Mark's friend. It is said that God takes the best young and he must need Mark now, when ever one hears words like, Honesty, Integrity, sincerity, loyalty, they will always spark a memory of Mark. The Blessing of having known Mark Buessing may have been shortened, however what an Honor the Blessing was. Our deepest Condolences to all the Buessing Families.

Tom Saelens & Marian Morman
Appleton,
Wisconsin

Patty Romero Hamrick

October 20, 2014

Dear Mrs. Maureen, Robert and John,
We as a family offer Mass and Rosaries for the eternal rest in peace of your precious husband and dad, our hearts are in Union Of Prayer with yours,
Tony and Patty
Children Anthony, Stephanie and Joshua Hamrick

Chris I-17 Auto Recyclers

October 20, 2014

I will never forget all the great memories of Mark. Words can't describe what he meant to the AARA.I will never forget all the great times we had at the URG convention in Denver, when Mark and I were up singing karaoke all night. What a great friend and a great person that I will never forget. You will be missed.

Ron & Linda Frye

October 19, 2014

We met Mark when he went to get the mail with Robert in his stroller in our old neighborhood. He said how excited he was to have him. He was such a nice guy. He made everyone feel at home. We both feel lucky to have met him.

October 18, 2014

May God hold Mark in his hands. What a Great husband, Dad and friend to all. I have walked in your footsteps just less than 2 years ago. Mark was very consoling to myself and our sons... feel very bless to have known him. We will keep you all in our prayers.
All our love Dianne Spruit, Jake and Austin Ryan

Ken and Gloria Barnett

October 18, 2014

Dear Maureen, Robert and John,
We are so shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Mark. Mark was a gentleman, full of kindness, love, loyalty and laughter. He was the first neighbor we met on our block. He walked over with Robert and welcomed us to the neighborhood. We will surely miss him.

Mark Salem

October 17, 2014

We started in business at the same time, we had many, many phone calls that seemed to last hours as we shared stories about kids, wives, employees, families and of course, recycling. Mark, I love you and I'm going to miss you Buddy.

Mark Cox

October 17, 2014

I met Mark and Tom when we were all just out of being teens. They worked for Jack Flashberg learning the ropes. Mark donated a nice car to help me start up a charity for the paralyzed young people, and that old car started an organization that lasted 28 years! Served thousands and won countless awards. Mark was a man of integrity and honesty, nothing less! Ge gave it and expected it! One glance from his searing eyes and you knew you were busted! I looked up to him and respected him for his achievements . He was so proud the day his lot was paved in concrete ! He gave me a tour, no more muddy recycling yard for him. Mark made everyone who met him a better person for having known him.

October 17, 2014

Dear Maureen, Robert and John

We are so sorry to hear the news of Mark passing. Mark was one of the most fun loving and kindest man we have ever met. We have some fun memories but we all agree that the river rafting trip is the most memorable. He will be deeply missed

Chuck, Mary, Garrett and Ashley Wyllie. (Yuba City, CA)

Julie Stahly

October 17, 2014

Mark was a one-of-a-kind guy! Always positive, kind to everyone, proud of his family, generous, thoughtful and an industry icon! He will be greatly missed by all! Our thoughts and prayers to Moe, the boys and family! The Recyclers POWER SOURCE

October 17, 2014

Dear Maureen, Robert, John and Family,

Words cannot adequately express the deep sadness we share over Mark's passing. It was always a pleasure to see and speak to Mark; he never had a negative word to say about anyone or anything and treated each person as though they were his best friend. His enthusiasm and zest for life were catching and he had the enviable trait of making you feel a part of the family. Thank you for sharing him with us all these years - he will be missed. Our love and prayers are with you - please call on us if there is anything we can help you with.

Maria Miller
ARA Staff

Anna & Albert Ayala

October 17, 2014

All the memories I have of Mark are precious. He touched so many people's lives with his generosity and kindness. May those memories bring his family and friends a piece of comfort.

John McCracken

October 17, 2014

Sometimes deep in thought, but never was he in a bad mood. He will be missed and regarded as an example of ethics and humanity.

Ed Milmeister

October 16, 2014

I was shocked when I heard of Mark's passing this morning. I knew this wonderful man for over 25 years. We spoke every 3 or 4 months about our hobby-operating recycling operations. New ideas, what we were doing to meet competition, innovations etc. He was one of my best friends in the business and I will miss him.

Steve Stoker

October 16, 2014

Maureen, Robert and John, I am so sorry for your loss. Mark was a great man who touched the lives of many, many people. He was so generous with his time, giving to others and supporting the automotive recycling community. I will greatly miss seeing and working with him everyday and will forever keep his family and loved ones in my thoughts and prayers.

Kurt Goldenbogen

October 16, 2014

Maureen we are so very sorry for your loss
Wish there were something we could do to help you all will be in our prayers will see your family in November love Kurt and Marion

Lynn Schucker

October 16, 2014

My Thoughts and prayers are with Maureen, Robert, and John and family. I am so sorry for your loss.

Stan Hughes

October 16, 2014

I knew Mark through his brother Tom. During our high school years, Mark would always give Tom and I advice on what girls liked. Mark was always good natured and had a smile on his face. He was much too young to be taken from his family, but God must have a plan for him. My thoughts & prayers are with his loved ones.

john cahill

October 16, 2014

I have known mark for many years and he has always been a good freind, hard worker and great person. he will be missed by me and my family, we are very sorry for your loss. to know mark was great in it self

tom buessing

October 16, 2014

to my brother.heaven has a new singer and comedian.i will always miss you
and will try to help Maureen and the boys as much as I can.if there is golf up there don't cuss at the top of your backswing

Jeff Mastervich

October 15, 2014

Words cannot express my sadness over Mark's passing.  He was a true friend and I will cherish all the memories, especially our many great times on the golf course.  Rest in peace buckaroo, you will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Mo, the boys and family.

Danny and Linda Linn

October 15, 2014

We were so sorry to hear of Mark's death. Mark was one of those people that everyone loved to be around. From the first time you met him, you knew you had met a special person and a good friend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Maureen and the boys.

John & Ruth Vander Haag

October 15, 2014

Dear Maureen, Robert & John
We were so shocked to hear of the death of Mark. He was a true friend of us for many years, both personally and through ADA and many business connections. He always had a "smile" and was always so happy. We loved being around him. We also have many wonderful memories of you Maureen and we were honored to attend your wedding. Seeing Robert and John grow into young men has also been a joy. We will contact you while we are in Mesa this winter. Words fall short..I'm here for you. I can't even imagine..My heart aches..for you. I want to hold you right now. Praying God holds you extra close.I'm here for you and I'm praying. "God will tenderly comfort you" II Corinthians 1:7

Debbie Wheeler

October 15, 2014

We were deeply sadden to hear the news about Mark. Our condolences go out to Mo, the boys and his family. We never saw Mark without a smile on his face. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Bill & Debbie

Bob Griggers

October 15, 2014

What a shock to hear of Mark's untimely passing from this life! Brenda and I knew Mark for decades. Through the years, I had the pleasure of working with him on many ARA committees. He was a member of my Executive Committee when I served as President. I can not recall anyone who appreciated and supported positive changes in the Automotive Recycling Industry more than Mark. He was so generous with his time and assets. It is comforting to think of the financial help so many have received because of Mark's dedication to the ARA Scholarship Program. Mark was always such a gracious host while visiting in his home. We were so proud to see how happy his marriage to Mo and the birth of his sons made him. Mark loved to have fun and for those around him to do the same! He truly left his mark on our Industry, his community and beyond. Mark will be long remembered and loved by many. Thanks my friend..... for the great memories. May the grace of our lord be with your family in this time of loss!

Debbie Tripp

October 15, 2014

My condolences and prayers go out to the Buessing family. He will be greatly missed by many.

Mike Sabori

October 15, 2014

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Ginny Whelan

October 15, 2014

"Smile through your heart is aching" I don't remember much of what we said that first day we met at a ARA Regional Directors meeting, only that he felt like someone I'd pick to be my best friend. I learned from Mark how to work hard but always make it fun and how to treasure happiness. The beautiful experiences that we had by serving. You always said we must pass on to people the great rewards we have and sing about it. My prayers are with Mo,Robert, John, the Buessing family and friends.

Tammy Sturgeon

October 15, 2014

I had the privilege to meet Mark and his lovely wife on a Germany Cruise, what a impression Mark left, his smile and energy and his love for ARA and the recycling industry. The Buessing family is in our thoughts and prayers.
All Import Auto Parts, Ft Worth, TX

Mary Presseller

October 15, 2014

Mark's outgoing personality & generous ways will be missed by all those whose lives Mark touched. Memories will keep Mark close to us. The entire Buessing family is in my prayers

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