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Mark Backes Obituary
Richmond
Formerly of St. Joseph, Missouri
May 18, 1974 - Feb. 21, 2013
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Richmond, MN for Mark J. Backes, age 38, who died Thursday as a result of a snowmobile accident in Madeline Island, WI. Burial will be in the Sts. Peter & Paul Parish Cemetery.
Relatives and friends may call from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond. Parish Prayers will be at 4:00 p.m. Visitation will continue from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. Wednesday morning at the funeral home.
Mark Joseph Backes, son of Ronald and Betty (Hemmesch) Backes, was born in St. Joseph, Missouri on May 18, 1974. He received the Sacraments of Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation at Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, MO where he also was a mass server. He graduated from Central High School in 1992. Was a member of the National Honor Society, played multiple sports every year, and was the sports editor of the school paper his senior year. He loved music, took piano lessons starting at age 5 and then switched to guitar in his teens. He composed a few songs but only for his and his friends' enjoyment. He also appreciated nature's lakeside sunsets and snow capped mountains "That's what it's all about!"
Mark graduated in 1996 from St. John's University in Collegeville, MN. After graduation he worked a few months to earn money for his 3 month tour of Europe with three other Johnnies. He was a free spirit who moved around with his job in the restaurant industry; spending ten years in Denver, Co and recently moved to Madeline Island, WI. He enjoyed meeting and learning about new people. No matter where he was he made friends quickly. He had a generous heart whether he knew you or not. Mark enjoyed but also challenged his two older sisters like any younger brother. He loved to play cards with his family and friends. His family will always remember his laugh, his smile and carefree spirit. He will be missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his parents; two older sisters, Rhonda (Kurt) Loeffelholz and Brenda Backes; nephews, Nickolas and Travis Loeffelholz.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Ambrose and Jeanette Backes, Nicholas and Miranda Hemmesch, and his uncle, Lynn Hemmesch.
A special thank you to the Madeline Island rescue departments and Jay (his boss).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mark Backes
Karin Taylor
April 7, 2013
It's not getting any easier.
kianna bear
February 27, 2013
You dont know me but i worked with mark at the beach club on madeline island. when i frist started there i didnt know anything about bartending and mark was the first one to take me behind the bar and really teach me some stuff. he was a great man. and im so happy to have known him. And im proud to say half of everything i know is from mark. And i just wanted to say im so sorry for your familys loss.
February 27, 2013
Ron, Betty, we are so sorry to hear about the loss of your son. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Alvin and Linda Gertken
February 26, 2013
Dear Ron, Betty and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Mark's passing. Our prayers, thoughts and wishes go out to all of you. I didn't know Mark but can tell he was a wonderful person who will be missed by many. May God bless you and keep you in His loving arms and may Mark's spirit live on! God bless you with comfort and peace as you journey through this.
In loving sympathy,
Barb Rieland Anderson (HS friend)
Cambridge, MN
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February 26, 2013
Ron and Betty, I believe Ron you are originally from Farming, MN - Whether or not, I still want to give you my heartfelt thoughts and prayers. If he was anything like you, Ron, I can see why everyone loved him. Cherish the memories, they will help you get through the tough times. You and your family are in my prayers. Cora (Ramler) Williams, Conifer, CO
Jenifer Albright-Borts
February 25, 2013
Nothing in High School was "easy" for me, I worried everyday. Mark was always a LIGHT everyday. He made me laugh and always reminded me of my worth. Now I'm one of the most blessed, content, and extension of positive energy I know. Mark helped me "be" and expect better. God knows his impact was so far beyond himself. He was and is amazing. He was too good to stay too long, he's watching all of us. And will always make a difference, beyond his mortality. Incredible Mark. You still live in each of us. Thank you for telling me I was beautiful everyday. I didn't know. My husband and children thank you as well.
February 25, 2013
Ron, Betty, Rhonda & Brenda, We are so very,very sorry to hear of Mark's accident & death. Please know of our prayers joining many others.
George & I remember so many fun times with your family & others playing Bunco & church activities.
George & Mary Riley (St. Joseph, MO)
Don & Liz Schramel
February 25, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Charis Flowers
February 25, 2013
Backes family I was so saddened to hear of Marks passing. I knew Mark since Kindergarten. Please accept mine and my family's condolences. You will be in our thoughts and prayers!!!
Jason Berger
February 25, 2013
I would like to send my deepest condolences to the Backes family. I had the pleasure of working with Mark for several years and will miss him dearly. Mark was the most sincere, warm hearted, funny friend a guy could ask for. I will miss our in depth sports talks about the NFL and Nascar and his story telling capabilities. In the words of Mark..."You'd be stupid not too!"
Lynne Lucas Bushee
February 25, 2013
Betty,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your son. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Chris Hayes
February 25, 2013
To the Backes family -- upon seeing the news of Mark's death, I realized that one of the people most responsible for influencing who I am today was gone. In the first grade, Mark was one of few kids who befriended me and together through the years, we learned how to be good, smart and oftentimes ornery kids. And what we learned together in those early years contributed to us becoming good, smart, and ornery men. Any wit I may possess today, Mark contributed to. Any ability I may have to think critically today, Mark contributed to. And any care I have for those around me, Mark certainly contributed to. I am just one person through whom his influence will be reflected going forward...and there are so many more. I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for giving me one of my first, true friends.
Marilyn Thompson
February 25, 2013
Betty, Ron, Rhonda, & Brenda,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I have such fond memories of time spent at your house while I was growing up. I remember Mark as always being full of energy. I am so sorry for your loss.
Chad Luikart
February 24, 2013
Saddened to hear of Marks passing. My condolences to the Backes family.
February 24, 2013
Backes Family,
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I am sending much love and many prayers your way.
Lisa Turnquist (Knox) Dear friend of Brenda Backes
February 24, 2013
Sorry to hear of Mark's passing.
Mike Means
Mary Jo McKenzie
February 24, 2013
So very Sorry for your loss Betty&Ron,Rhonda&Brenda. Mark was such an inspiration to everyone that new him,from what I can see. Even tho I've had to be at a distance of an Aunt,I neverquit loving my other family or forgot the memories. You're All in My thoughts&prayers. Take one day at a time...You have alot of people caring&praying for All of You. Love You....(((HUGS)))
February 24, 2013
So sorry to have a promising young person taken. Dr. James T crenshaw Central High School
Steve & Jacki Backes
February 24, 2013
Ron,Betty,Rhonda & Brenda, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.Mark will have to join us on the golf course from heaven.He will remain in our hearts always.
God Bless, Steve & Jacki Backes
Dedre "Tiller" King
February 24, 2013
I remember you from High School. Always had a smile for all. My prayers are with your family so sorry for your loss.
February 24, 2013
may he rest in peaceBARBFUCHS LIESER KENNETH E. LIESER
Michelle Backes Lambert
February 24, 2013
Hey Cousin... I am so saddened by your sudden passing, but know that your contagious bright spirit will always be with us. I will remember the fun times growing up visiting you all in Missouri- playing games and laughing a lot. That is what I will remember the most... the laughing and the constant jokes and fun that you brought to every situation. I know that you are with the Lord now, I actually saw your smiling face in a dream just days before I heard of your passing. I woke up thinking "what is that crazy guy up to?" and thinking it has been too long since we were all together... You were happy and that is comforting for now. Give grandma and grandpa a hug for me and we will see you again on the other side:)
Joshua Magee
February 24, 2013
Thank you Mark! Now you're onward to the next thing. I wish you love and awe in every step.
Tracey Miller
February 24, 2013
I'm saddened to hear of Mark's passing. I remember him very well in High School and he always made me laugh. The Backs family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Grant McWhorter
February 24, 2013
All of us at the Barolo Grill in Denver want to pass along our condolences to all those who loved Mark, especially his family. He will be missed, but his memory and spirit will be with us always.
Mary Backes
February 24, 2013
Dear Ron and Betty,
Losing a child is almost unbearible, but knowing Mark's "free spirit" has soared him to new heights and reunited him with his maker, hopefully will bring a small amount of comfort to you and the girls. Mark is now looking after the rest of you. He has arrived!!
Hugs and Prayers,
Uncle Mike and Mary
Terrence Gotz
February 24, 2013
I still remember meeting Mark in the Great Hall at SJU prior to freshman year: he indeed made all feel welcomed. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
Patty Gardner
February 24, 2013
Mark was such an amazing person who positively touched so many lives--including mine. I thank him for all the laughs and the many happy memories! You will be missed, Mark! All my love to your family during this difficult time. May they find the peace that you now feel...
Velin Tangardzhiev
February 24, 2013
Mark, to me, your soul my friend, was something unique! Even thought the short time I was working with you, somehow I felt it, how amazing person you were. And I know that this big Soul of your, won't let us be without your support on our way towards "The Truth" which we were talking about, so much with you and which now you know more than us. You sent me a special message in the FaceBook not long ago, where you were saying that you had decided, seriously, to start learning some Bulgarian next summer when we come to the Island! “Pochivay v mir, priatel”-Rest In Peace my friend! ..And last, but not least, I want to say thank you one more time for the great Christmas wishes that you sent me. I feel I lost a real friend at the very beginning of the friendship!
February 24, 2013
Mark was like a second son to us during his jr high and high school years. He was truly Dustin's best friend. Our thoughts are with his family.
David & Shirley John
February 24, 2013
Dear Backes Family,
We have you all in our prayers!!
Love, The Goff and Halverson Families
Suzanne Backes
February 23, 2013
My memories of Mark are few but what I remember most is his kind smile and gentle spirit. I am deeply saddened by this loss to our family. May God bless his soul and give comfort to those who loved him the most.
Chris & Jean Backes
February 23, 2013
Cousin Mark,
I know the time we spent together was slight over the years. And losing you, I don't understand. May the love of the almighty embrace you and your family during this difficult time.
February 23, 2013
It was so much fun working with you (bar-tending and having so much fun behind the bar!) You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless
Betsy (Butler) Forman
February 23, 2013
Dear Backes Family,
We hold you in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and bring you comfort.
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