Mark Krichbaum

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mark Edward Krichbaum, 52, of Peoria, Arizona, who passed away on March 4, 2025. His family is deeply saddened by his sudden death. Mark was born on August 8, 1972 in Louisville, Kentucky. He is survived by his 16-year-old daughter Elena Krichbaum, his fiancé Shara Coughlin, his mother Chris Tolk, and his stepfather Paul Tolk. He is preceded in death by his brother Rick Krichbaum.

Mark's passion was football. He started playing football in Pop Warner in Ridgefield, CT, and played through 7th grade. He could not make the weight in 8th grade. That gave him a great opportunity to coach. After playing football at Ridgefield High School, Ridgefield, CT he was recruited by the University of Virginia to play in 1990. He was redshirted his freshman year and played defensive tackle the remaining years through 1994. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in May of 1994. He was picked up by the Chicago Bears but was cut after the summer session. He then went to the University of Georgia as the assistant football strength and conditioning coach from 1995 to 2002.

He moved to Arizona and taught and coached flag football at Lake Pleasant Elementary School.

Elena was the light of his life. He was so proud of her scholastic achievements and her love of volleyball and track. He transferred his love of football to Elena. They watched UVA and Georgia games all fall and into the playoffs.

Mark took Elena on a tour to the East Coast in the summer of 2023. They went to UVA and Georgia. They also stopped at Ridgefield High School. Mark's record for the shot put of 57' 7" still stands from 1989.

His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family and friends and many more whose lives were touched by him. He had a rare gift for making others smile and laugh, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed his path.

A Memorial service will be held at Messinger Pinnacle Peak Mortuary, 8555 East Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85255, on Sunday, April 27 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, we have set up an account at Wells Fargo for college for Elena. You can write a check made out to Elena Krichbaum and send it to me or deposit it at a Wells Fargo Bank or Venmo to Chris Tolk and I will deposit the money into Elena's account.