Mark Ebert

Mark Ebert

Feb. 28, 1961 - Nov. 1, 2023

"Your rewards are in Heaven, not here on earth" - famous words of Mark Ebert.

Mark was born on February 28, 1961, in Helena, MT, to Katherine (Kay) and Bernard Ebert. He passed away on November 1, 2023, peacefully in his home in the Helena Valley, from a heart attack.

He attended Bishop Gilmore, Rossiter, C R Anderson, and after graduating from Capital High School in 1979, he attended college in Bozeman. In 2003, the 1978 Capital High School football team was inducted into the Hall of Fame. He was just as proud today as he was that evening to share with others "their" accomplishment. He still has his football jersey to prove it. Everyone knew, win or lose, Mark was a fan of the Dallas Cowboys.

Mark worked diligently putting up hay and taking care of cattle at his ranch until the farm was sold. He drove for McHugh Dairy, Greenway Enterprises, Inc., and Ebert Ranch Trucking hauling dairy products, trailers, equipment, cattle, and logging in his 1972 Kenworth Semi. He eventually retired from the County Road and Bridge Department, but that didn't stop him from truck driving where you recently would see him hauling gravel.

Mark was an extravert and did not know a stranger. If you hadn't met him, he would make sure he met you. He was always the life of the party and shared his sense of humor, creating much laughter within the walls around him. He made sure everyone felt welcomed; that they mattered and were important.

Hunting, fishing, boating, snowmobiling, shooting at gun ranges, cutting wood (always keeping the fire burning in the boiler at home, so he wouldn't have to pay A DIME to NWE), dancing, and rodeos (a parade marshal and making sure the arena was kept watered during the rodeos at The Last Chance Stampede) are a few of the activities he enjoyed with his family and friends. When branding, burning ditches, haying season, fixing equipment (the quickest way to get things running again (if you knew, you knew), or after a long day of truck driving was completed, he would always head out for "a cold one."

Mark was the first one to help family and friends, when asked, and if he saw you on the side of the road needing assistance, he was there for you too. In the late 1990s, he would pull his fully decorated flatbed trailer for Ryan, Adam, and their classmates during the Vigilante Parades. Taking 1st place in their category was his emphasis and they followed through each year.

In January 1990, Mark joined Kim (Ewing) and her children: Ryan, Adam, and Amy (Trevor Peterson) Williams. Within a few years, they added to their family. In 1993, after a long and cold winter night of logging, Mark welcomed his first daughter, Anna Ebert, into the world. A quick 15 months and 11 days later, he welcomed his second daughter, Markell Ebert (his namesake), and during the summer of 1999, he welcomed his third daughter, Faith Ebert.

Mark's love, pride, and joy were his three girls: Anna, Markell, and Faith. Mark consistently reminded his daughters to "Get good grades in school, graduate from college, go to the top, and set yourself up for success while you're young so you won't have to work as hard in your later years, like I do." He also emphasized, "Always do what is right, always do what pleases God." He loved his three girls very much, and they always knew he was extremely proud of them. Mark was an inspiration. His words of wisdom, encouragement, and support will continue to guide us as we navigate this journey of life without his physical presence.

On November 3rd, with open arms, Mark held his first granddaughter, Linoy Shula. You could just see the sparkle in his eyes as he held her. Being a grandfather to his only granddaughter brought him immense joy. He cherished every moment spent with her. His stories, laughter, and unconditional love he shared with her created lasting memories that she will forever hold dear to her heart. Eternally, Mark will remain her "Poppi."

On November 10th, Mark met his first granddog, Axyl. When Axyl came over for the first time, he peed on Marks boot, and his response was, "It's okay he's just excited". Axyl's presence always made his day brighter; eagerly saying "There's the Ax! My little buddy." Mark loved Axyl and they were the "best of buddies." Axyl was his best friend, and he took him everywhere. Their tradition of going to Taco John's every Tuesday for taco Tuesday will carry on. On August 8th, he met his second granddog, GiGi. Her energy, personality, and zoomies always brought a smile to Mark's face. He appreciated how such a small French Bulldog could be so loyal.

Mark faced life's challenges with remarkable resilience and strength. He taught us the value of perseverance, the importance of family, and the significance of kindness. His life was a testament to the power of love, compassion, and unwavering faith.

Mark is survived by his three daughters: Anna aka "lil punkin," Markell aka "kiddo," Faith aka "buddy ole pal"" his granddaughter, Linoy, who affectionately referred to him as "Poppi," his two grand-dogs: Axyl, who he referred to as "the Ax," and GiGi. His siblings: Jeff (Mary) Ebert, Marcia (Brad) Smith, Mike (Nika) Ebert, and Mary Ebert; and his nieces and nephew, Carmen Ebert, Ashleigh (Chris) Carson, and Kevin Ebert.

We will remember Mark Ebert not with tears but with smiles. We would love for everyone in attendance to honor his special request; "Please make sure that everyone that attends is happy and is not sad. To love God and Jesus. Always!"

A special thank you is extended to the West Valley Fire Department, Katie Gabriel, Sergeants Wood and McCarthy, Randy Wilke, and Peter Allen for their support.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 14, 2023, from 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 North Montana Avenue. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at Cathedral of Saint Helena, 530 North Ewing Street. Interment will follow the service at Resurrection Cemetery, 3685 North Montana Avenue. A reception will immediately follow at the social hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, The French Bulldog Rescue Network, or to the charity of your choice.

Though he is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in our hearts, guiding us and giving us the strength to carry on.

Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Mark.