MARK STEVEN HEIDER

MARK HEIDER Obituary

MARK STEVEN HEIDER Mark Steven Heider, 69, of McCall, Idaho, passed away peacefully on November 16th, 2023, after a courageous fight with cancer and illness. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on November 9, 1954, he was the youngest child of Melvin and Agnes Heider. After graduating from DeLaSalle in 1972, Mark went on to study the electrical trade, along with two of his brothers. He quickly found not only an interest but a true love for his work, becoming a Master Electrician at just 24. Over his 45-year career he earned the nickname "Sparky" as his work took him from the grain elevators of Minneapolis to the mountains of Montana and the backcountry of Idaho. At 27, Mark married his longtime friend Joan (Galvin) and soon had two children, proudly taking on the role of husband and father. Together, Mark and Joan set out to raise their family in a quieter place and landed in Whitefish, Montana where they spent 28 years. Their home brimmed with guests from near and far ready for the next adventure with Mark as the tour guide. Known to be kind and silly, Mark always welcomed children with an open heart and maybe even a tootsie roll. In 2018, Mark and Joan moved to McCall, Idaho, to be near their first grandchildren. Welcoming five grandchildren in all, becoming "Grandpa Mark" was perhaps the greatest honor of his life. Mark's curious nature and faith carried him through his battle with long-term illness. Despite the challenges he faced for many years he remained optimistic and a pillar of strength to the end. Now in peace, Mark leaves behind his wife, Joan; children, Edward (Megan), and Rose (Zach); grandchildren; sister, Nancy (Dan) Rions; and many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and dear friends. A celebration of Mark's life will take place during the warmer months of 2024 in McCall, Idaho. Family and friends are welcome to attend and share stories, tell jokes, and honor Mark. Celebration details are available at eventcreate.com/e/markheider

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Published by The Star-News from Nov. 27 to Nov. 30, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for MARK HEIDER

10 Entries

Marc Veith

February 23, 2024

Thoughts & Prayers

Larisa Moe

December 11, 2023

Prayers to you and your family, Rose.

Leslie Thomas

November 29, 2023

My daughter and Rose have been good friends since our family moved to Whitefish when the girls were beginning 3rd grade. There were many times I visited with Mark and Joan over the years as our daughters took turns staying at each other's house and we met at various places and functions in town. I know how close this wonderful family has always been, and my heart goes out to you all during this difficult time. I wish you courage and peace as you navigate this loss, and pray that your many memories bring you some comfort. "Those we love don't go away, they are always with us... unseen, unheard, but always near, and always in our hearts."

Pattie Hallbeck

November 29, 2023

I´m sorry I didn´t know Mark well but he sounds like a wonderful kind fun person. I would have liked knowing him. I always wanted to go to Montana to visit them but never made it. My loss. Pattie GAlvin Hallbeck

Karin Hilding

November 28, 2023

This photo is a page in the 2018 City of Whitefish Climate Action Plan about Mark. One of our young Energy Corps members, RJ, stated "He was a wonderful man who was always happy to share his incredible wealth of knowledge. His kindness and warmth will be missed."

Shelley Young

November 28, 2023

My deepest sympathy to you, Joan, and your family. I am Sue Galvin's sister, Shelley. Tina let me know of your husband's passing. May his memories give you much comfort, and many smiles.

Lindsay Henning

November 28, 2023

Lindsay Henning

November 28, 2023

Lindsay Henning

November 28, 2023

I've known Mark my whole life and the Heiders were good family friends - my mom went to grade school with Mark and grew up across the street from Joan. Some of my very best memories of my childhood were taking the train out to Whitefish and spending time with the Heiders. Hiking, site-seeing, huckleberry picking, just hanging out at their home. I was always so impressed with how knowledgable Mark was about anywhere we were visiting...now knowing that he'd study the signs or listen closely to a tour guide.

Mark always made me laugh and feel loved in the way he asked questions about my life and cared for my children. When my husband and I decided to move to The Netherlands this year, I thought of Mark and Joan's move to Montana; this gave me hope and strength as we said our goodbyes to Minneapolis and friends and family.

To my Mister Rogers (with more knock knock jokes) - you are truly missed and loved.

Dana Lee

November 27, 2023

I was in the choir of St. Albert The Great in Minneapolis. After Deb (McGinnis) and I bought our house on Minnehaha Avenue, Mark "sold" me his old Toro Snow Hound for $10. He never accepted payment, worried that I would hurt myself using it. I named it Cujo. (Stories if you want.) He helped me electrify our garage in 1985, and I can't remember him ever billing me for it. I think I helped Mom Heider with locks or car keys once in the '90s. I hope I didn't bill her. I remember Mark as a quiet, joyful and generous man. The world is a better place because of him. God bless him and his family and friends.

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