Mark Allan Zahn

January 31, 1963 - June 30, 2025

Mark Allan Zahn, 62, of Atlanta, GA, passed away in a motorcycle accident on the morning of June 30, 2025.

Born January 31, 1963, to Kay and Andy Zahn, Mark grew up with his brothers and sister in the family home on Foster Lane, graduating from Billings Central Catholic High School. Mark carried the simplicity of his Montana roots throughout his life. Though he cherished his home state and loved the outdoors, his adventurous spirit and desire to see the world led him to enlist in the U.S. Navy. Mark traveled the globe and built a life rich in experience, service, and connection, eventually making his home in Atlanta, where he lived for the last 26 years.

Mark is preceded in death by his mother, Kay Zahn; his brother, Gary Zahn; his nephew Kevin Zahn; and his grandparents Adam and Annie Zahn, and Carl and Lillian Gallagher.

Mark will be missed every day by his beloved husband and partner in life Scott Dunkle; his father, Andrew Zahn, and brothers Kenneth Zahn, Ronald Zahn, and David Zahn, of Billings, MT; and his sister Tammi Perdew (Kris) of Boise, ID as well as his extended family, including his cousins, nieces, nephews, great-niece, and great-nephews. Mark also shared a lifelong bond with his dear friend of nearly 40 years, Michael Cannady of Savannah, GA.

Mark's heart was as big as his smile. He was known for his unwavering kindness, generosity, and the deep love he had for his family, both by blood and by choice. He and Scott surrounded themselves with people of integrity and compassion, and Mark loved them fiercely. Among those he considered family are Bob Davies, Tammy Martin, and Starla Skelton, who brought light and joy into his life.

Mark proudly served in the U.S. Navy as a Fire Controlman First Class aboard the USS Luce, stationed at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, Florida. After the ship's decommission, he continued his service at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Dahlgren, VA, where he later retired. During his final years in the Navy, Mark volunteered with the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD, participating in clinical trials that contributed to the development of life-saving HIV treatments still in use today.

With a boundless love for his friends and family and a mischievous sense of humor, Mark will always be remembered for his generous spirit and passion for life. To honor his memory, consider performing a random act of kindness, sharing a joke to brighten someone's day, or finding a quiet moment to connect with nature just as Mark so often did.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Billings Gazette on Jul. 15, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Mark Zahn

Sponsored by Gregory B. Levett and Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory - South DeKalb Chapel South DeKalb Chapel.

10 Entries

Karla Pettigrew

July 28, 2025

My first thoughts when I think of Mark, are his kindness. He was so kind, a smile in person and through email. He showed patience when helping me through questions, when it wasn't clicking for me. He will be missed.

WCC Wanda Carter-Calhoun

July 22, 2025

I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to Mark's family. The warmth and commitment that Mark showed will never be forgotten. He was a great asset to the Chenega family.

Please remember that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you find solace, resilience, and tranquility in the days ahead.

With sincere sympathy,
Wanda Carter-Calhoun

Deborah Gordon

July 22, 2025

Mark lit up the room with his kindness. He was a consummate professional who would help EVERYONE. He was also a friend who will be missed tremendously!
Prayers are lifted for his family!

Greg Flowers

July 21, 2025

Mark will be missed by his work family. Mark made an immediate, positive impact when he joined our company. He was always the consummate professional willing to help out behind the scenes and get everyone whatever they needed. Mark went far beyond his scope of work to assist and take care of co-workers. He quickly became a friend. Mark - thank you for everything and especially for serving our great country!

Conya Gibson

July 21, 2025

I want to extend my deepest condolences to Mark and his family. Mark's kindness and dedication will always be remembered.

Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers, and I pray that you find comfort, strength, and peace during this time.

With my deepest sympathy,

Conya

Lynn Willis

July 21, 2025

I was truly sorry to hear about your loss. Please know that my thoughts are with you during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the support of friends, family, and colleagues who care deeply.

If there's anything I can do to ease your burden or support you, please don't hesitate to reach out.

With deepest sympathy

Kelly Christensen Erickson

July 17, 2025

My condolences to Scott his husband. My thoughts and prayers go out to Andy, Ken, Ron, David and Tammi. I´ve lost touch with all of you. Please know I´m thinking of you in this difficult time.

Shawn Heringer

July 16, 2025

First and foremost, "Thank You Mark" for your service to our Country in the U.S. Navy. What a great honor.
Mark was a great classmate at Billings Central. We got along great. He was a tough football player. I remember he had to step in at nose guard because a player went down. Maybe 135lbs going against 220lbs center. He gave his best. Integrity, solid, and a good man. That´s the way I will always remember Mark. God Bless.

Amanda

July 16, 2025

My condolences to Scott, his husband. I am his cousin, Amanda Lyon. He was such a kind person. I didn't get alot of time or memories, but the few I do have were always positive and loving.

Lori Kelly-Ritz

July 15, 2025

It´s been several years but I always remember Mark as a kind human who always had a smile on his face. I so sorry for you loss. RIP Mark

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