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Mark Wirkus Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
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Lindsey Wirkus
September 25, 2015
I miss your sense of humor everyday still.
mark out in God's country
Michael Wirkus
September 25, 2015
Bobbe' Stark
October 13, 2009
I did'nt know mark that well we met only a few times he was a great friend to my dad and mom and he was my godfather i hope the best for Vaughn and Erin just stay strong and feel free to contact me any time.
Mike and Felicia Shea
September 18, 2008
I am so shocked and saddened to have just heard about Mark's passing.
I knew Mark for about 8 years. We met through the mortgage business and hit it off instantly. We hunted togather and spoke frequently. I knew when I hadn't heard from him something wasn't right. I'm so sorry it had to be this.
Mark was a GREAT GREAT man and will be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
Sincerely
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Lisa McMahon
August 26, 2008
Dear Family of Mark Wirkus:
I met Mark when we were both about 12 years old and knew him all through school up to graduation. He was, as you know, a kind and charming young man. Later, at our ten year class reunion, Mark was talking to my husband, Scott Bailey, who is from Minnetonka and a several years ahead of us in school. Apparently, they had known each other for a while after working together and had become friends. Eventually they went hunting a few times. Periodically, Scott would give me updates on Mark's life because they kept up with one another. I believe they spoke last in late June of this year. It was nice to hear about his life as I was always so fond of Mark. (By the way - Those blog tributes are priceless and capture his personna perfectly.)
Scott & I just heard the news - and cannot express enough how profoundly sad we are, nor how much Mark will be missed.
God bless you all and keep you safe in this sorrowful time.
Lisa McMahon and Scott Bailey
Erin Jensen
July 28, 2008
I recently received a letter from Donor services, and wanted to let everyone know what Mark was able to contribute to others:
They were able to recover and place one kidney; the recipient was a married man with no children (yet). The kidney has allowed him to discontinue his 3 dialysis treatments per week, which have been going on for the last 2 1/2 years. He is a school counselor and a volunteer for the Red Cross. They say he is doing well, and they have high hopes that the kidney will take.
Two corneas were placed; one with a 27 year old woman and the other with an older man. Both had lost their eyesight due to an untreatable eye disease.
Two heart valves were placed and the recipients are doing well.
The bone contribution could improve the lives of up to 50 different people. They use them for bone grafts for reconstructive surgery to correct certain defects. The skin tissue goes towards grafts for people with extensive wounds or burns.
All in all, Mark could be helping hundreds of people lead improved lives. I hope that gives you all some comfort, I know it has for me.
Thank you all for your cards, thoughts, prayers, phone calls, visits - the list goes on and on. I can't thank you enough for the support - I never would have made it through the first three weeks without some of you! I will continue to update this as I hear news. You can also check out his blog at www.markwirkus.blogspot.com.
Please remember how Mark would want us all to live, and make the most of every day!
Kelly Zinckgraf
July 26, 2008
On behalf of the volunteers from the Bicycle Tour of Colorado, who witnessed the accident and were there to help at the scene in every way possible, we extend our deepest condolences to Mark's family and friends. A special hug goes out to Marc Angell and his family. Just found out the news and are very upset to hear of his passing. We were really hoping and praying that perhaps "we" made a difference that day and he was home with his family recuperating. To his family: We did EVERYTHING possible to assist that day....unfortunately, God had other plans for him. Please know that we have been praying for ALL of you.......
Diane Berglund
July 23, 2008
I had the privilege to know Mark through the riding "gang" a few years back. He was an incredibly genuine, caring man. I will miss his smile and sense of humor. My deepest sympathy to Erin, Vaughn, and family.
Angele Neska
July 21, 2008
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Wirkus family. I graduated with Mark. He was a really good guy. May he rest in peace.
Aug 2006
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Aug 2006
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Mark & Vaughn
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Dec 2007
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Summer 2007
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Summer 2004
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Jay Cook 2005
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California 2005
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Rev. Ron Flood
July 16, 2008
I am so sorry to hear of Mark's passing. We met in junior high school and remained friends through graduation.
The last time I saw Mark was at a reunion I think, and he was still the cool, likeable guy he was in school. I think he had friends in every circle of "cliques" so to speak, and was always one to look out for the underdog. No one got picked on on Mark's watch..(including me!), he was a real anti-bully.
Well, God must have his hands full now with Paul Fredrickson, Jon Hanson and now Mark....Godspeed friend, and may his family find peace...
Dave Klein
July 16, 2008
My sincerest condolences on Mark's passing, I was there on the mountain that day, I was riding the other way to South Fork, Co. I was the second person to reach him. He had a lot of help that day, but I was sorry to hear he later passed. My heart and prayers are with you in these trying times.
Dave
Michael Wirkus
July 15, 2008
Thanks to everyone that could take time out of their busy schedules to come and honor Markus. I am sorry to those whom I was not able to speak with because you are the ones that truely knew him and thats how I hope to get to know the man you all loved...
Marnie Miller (Dorothy)
July 15, 2008
To the family of Mark,
I shared part of my life with Mark years ago. I have often thought of Mark, Brigitte and Helmut and wonder how you have all been doing. I am greatly saddened to hear the tragic news. I am happy to hear that Mark was able to share his life with a wife and have the privilege to have a child. My heart goes out to both of them. Children are a gift from God and so is each precious day we have in this fallen world. I pray that the peace of God will rest on your hearts during this time of sorrow. Know that life will continue and Marks legacy will stay alive in your hearts and memories. Live life to the fullest for him and keep the hope through God that you will all be together again.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Rick Hogan
July 14, 2008
I worked with Mark at S & S Tree Specialists for only a short time. I always enjoyed being around Mark and his sense of humor. It seemed like every time I was with him I learned something new about property care. We shared a passion for duck hunting a told each other alot of great hunting stories. I wish I had more time to get to know Mark better. He will be missed
Steve Kunde
July 14, 2008
To Marks Family, I had only known Mark for a short time since he began working at S&S Tree. He gained the respect of everyone there and I enjoyed beginning to get to know him. My heartfelt sympathy to your family.
Diane McAfee
July 14, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate Marks life.
Michael Sutich
July 14, 2008
Dear Erin, Vaughn, & Wirkus Family,
I am very sorry for your loss. Mark truly was one of a kind. One of my recent favorite memories are of running into you 3 at the mall. He was such a good guy. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
John Campisi
July 13, 2008
Dear Erin, Vaughn, & Wirkus Family,
I am very sorry for your loss. Mark was one of a kind. A true and loyal friend. Some of my favorite memories are of Mark laughing and smiling. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lynette Barrett
July 13, 2008
To the Family of Mark Wirkus,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one. I worked at Chasewood Gates in Minnetonka for several years and met Mark during that time. I will always remember his great smile and wonderful laugh. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. God bless you all.
Lynette Barrett
Jane & Jim Angell
July 13, 2008
We are so saddened by your loss, Erin. We are the parents of Marc who was traveling with Mark. We definitely feel your pain; our thoughts are with you.
Dale and Sue Holmes
July 13, 2008
There are not enough words in our language to express the sadness in the loss of Mark. Our sympathies and prayers go out to everyone who knew and loved Mark. Know that his kindness, enthusiasm for life, friendship and fond memories will remain strong in our hearts.
Layne Jeffery
July 13, 2008
Erin, Vaughn and Mark's family -
I am so very sorry to hear about Mark and your loss. I cannot even begin to imagine how difficult this must be for all of you. Mark and I went to Sibley together and he really was a great guy. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. Our prayers will be with Mark and your family. God bless you all in your time of need.
Keith Mast
July 12, 2008
Dear Erin and Vaughn,
My sincerest condolences on Mark's death. I was riding behind Mark when the accident occurred and was the first one to reach him. We stayed with him until the ambulance arrived and did what little we could. My heart and prayers are with you in these trying times.
Keith Mast
Kay Metko
July 12, 2008
To Mark's Family,
I knew Mark for years when I lived in MN working in the Property Management field. Mark was a great guy, with a big heart and if possible an even bigger smile that lit up every room he entered. He wll be missed by those of you who loved him dearest and those of us whose lives he touched. May God bless you and help you to find peace in your time of sorrow.
Jim Schottmuller
July 11, 2008
I've known Mark for over ten years. He was great to work with and great to be around. I can't even believe it. I extend my deepest sympathies to you.
Moraghan McKenna
July 11, 2008
Dear Erin and Vaughn,
I am so sorry for your loss. I feel lucky enough to have gotten to know Mark over the last few months. I feel grateful to have enjoyed his free spirit, kindness and wonderful attitude. Mark worked on a few of the properties that I manage and I couldn't have been happier with the work he did and the service he provided. I imagine it was the same way for anyone else that Mark touched in his life. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you and your family.
Molly
July 11, 2008
Erin...You don't know me, I work with Angie. I am so sorry for your loss, your family has been in my thoughts and prayers since Angie shared what happened. You are a strong woman for going through this. I will continue to think about you and your son.
CRAIG HARTER
July 11, 2008
MARK WAS A GREAT GUY, A BLUE COLLER KIND GUY, I WORKED WITH MARK AT AMERICANMORTGAGE AND WE HAD ALLOT OF FUN, ALONG WITH THE OTHER EMPLOYES AT THE OFFICE.MARK,MYSELF, AND DANCASEY TALKED ALLOT OF POLITICES EVAN THOUGH MARK WAS ON THE WROMG SIDE *HA,ha*.
MY AND MY PARENTS PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOUR ENTIRE FAMILEY
SINCERELY, craig
craig harter
July 11, 2008
Mark was awonderfull fella. HE WAS A Bluecoller guy,I worked with Mark at American Mortgage Network for a period and we had allot of good times there,and so did many other poeple there working with him. Mark you will be missed by many.Mer and my parents prayers go out to your entire familey.
Angie Cook
July 11, 2008
Erin, Vaughn and Mark's family -
I truly feel for what you are going through - you have many great memories for the future. He is still with you in your heart.
Tracy Puent
July 11, 2008
Erin & Vaughn~
I am truly sorry for your loss! Mark was such a great husband and father! I hope you can find comfort knowing that he is in a wonderful place and will be watching over both of you as you continue on. Take care and just know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Carol Samuelson
July 11, 2008
Erin, Vaughn, Mary, Jim and families.
Our thoughts and prayers are focused on all of you during this sad and painful time. We hope that God's love and your memories of Mark will help comfort and sustain you during the difficult future without Mark.
With love, Al and Carol Samuelson, (Jim's sister and all of Jim's family)
Jessica Hanson
July 11, 2008
Mein aufrichtiges Beileid.
Dearest Erin, I'm so sorry to hear of this loss. Deepest sympathy to you, Vaughn and Mark's family.
Margaret
July 11, 2008
Erin, Vaughn & to all who knew Mark. My family & I share in your grief. We are deeply, deeply saddened by the loss of Mark. Erin, your strength is admired. May you find peace in knowing you now have a strong angel to watch over you & your family.
Camille
July 11, 2008
Erin, Vaughn, and Marks family - I am so sorry for your loss. The whole thing still does not feel real. Erin, you are such a stong woman and I am so impressed by the way you are coping and dealing with this. I am here for you if you need anything.
Ken and Karlene Abram
July 11, 2008
We did not get to know you well but always enjoyed your company and fine culinary with wild game. You are now in happy hunting grounds and all will miss you.
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