Mark John Buls

Mark John Buls, aged 79, of Flippin, Arkansas, passed away on August 31, 2025, in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Born on November 17, 1945, in Tripoli, Iowa, he was the son of Arlen and Malita Korte Buls. Mark's early education took place at Tripoli High School, followed by his graduation from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, in 1968. Demonstrating his commitment to service, he volunteered to join the U.S. Army, where he honorably served in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970.

In 1971, he embarked on a new chapter as he emigrated to Australia, where he devoted his career to teaching. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa between 1978 and 1980, during which time he was in the Marine Corps Reserve. Mark resided in Australia until 1990, after which he returned to the United States, sharing his knowledge and passion for education across several states until his retirement in 2010.

Throughout his life, he traveled extensively across the Pacific Rim and Europe, visiting over 15 countries which helped enrich his experiences. He's been to all of the continents, except for Africa and Antarctica. In his younger years, he cherished the time spent hunting, and for years, Mark enjoyed spending time playing fast pitch softball, even back to his time in Vietnam. In Australia, he played for two state teams and was known for his fast pitching skills. Settling in Arkansas, Mark enjoyed the fulfillment of living in his dream home after a few years. He found joy in connecting with fellow Marine Corps retirees over breakfast and held a deep love for reading and watching westerns.

Mark is survived by his son, Matthew Buls of Ames, Iowa.

A Graveside Funeral Service with Military Honors will be held for Mark at 1:30 PM on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Fayetteville National Cemetery in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Arrangements are entrusted to Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services of Mountain Home, Arkansas. Friends and family are invited to visit an online obituary and guestbook at www.kirbyandfamily.com.