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Mark Ahrendsen Obituary
February 26, 1951 - February 23, 2021
Durham, North Carolina - Mark Ahrendsen, 69, retired Transportation Director for the City of Durham, NC passed peacefully at home on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. Mark lived life to the fullest, despite being diagnosed with advanced lung cancer more than four years ago.
He was raised in Jones County, Iowa. His career included 27 years with the City of Durham, serving as Transportation Director from 2010 -2016. Mark was instrumental in the public acquisition of the former Duke Power Transit System that operates today as the Durham Area Transit Authority. He received the Governor's Public Transportation award in 1994 and the Lifetime Achievement from the North Carolina Public Transportation Association in 2016.
Mark was a man of deep faith and an active member of Trinity Avenue Presbyterian church in Durham for more than 30 years. He was committed to volunteering in the community and helping those in need. Mark is survived by his wife Cathy and sons Tim, Tyler (Sharifa), Nick (Kristin), Christopher, and Joseph and two brothers, Monte (Margo) Ahrendsen and Bruce (Jolene) Ahrendsen. He was beloved Grandpa Mark to Leo, Claire, Beth, and Zephyr. He is pre-deceased by his mother Donna Ahrendsen and his father Gayle Ahrendsen.
More details about his amazing life and services can be found at https://www.hallwynne.com/obituaries/Mark-Douglas-Ahrendsen?obId=20105746#/obituaryInfo
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mark Ahrendsen
Sponsored by Hall-Wynne Funeral Service & Crematory - Durham.
3 Entries
Bob Horne
June 28, 2021
I worked with Mark very early in his career at the East Alabama Regional Planning & Development Commission. He was a dedicated transportation planner and a good friend, and I am very sorry to hear of his passing.
Harvey Schmitt
March 5, 2021
My condolences to the family. I had the pleasure of working with Mark for 15 years on regional transportation issues. He was a terrific partner and true professional. We shared Iowa roots and values. I was so sorry to hear of his passing but want you to know that he made a very important impact on not only Durham but the entire Triangle.
Donnie Clark
March 3, 2021
Mark was a wonderful person to work with, both as a fellow City employee and later as a consultant. Prayers for the family
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Hall-Wynne Funeral Service & Crematory - Durham1113 W. Main St, Durham, NC 27701
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