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Mark Cripps Obituary
Mark Allen Cripps
Mark Allen Cripps, 76, of Sioux City passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at his residence. A Celebration of Life is pending for a later date. Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be directed to www.meyerbroschapels.com.
Mark was born on October 24, 1947 in Sioux City, the son of Walter Cripps and Yvonne (Cormany) Sneed. He graduated from Central High School, and went on to obtain a Bachelor's Degree from Westmar College in Le Mars. From there, Mark completed a Master's Degree from the University of South Dakota.
On July 15, 1967 he married Sandra Berens in South Sioux City, Nebraska. To this union a son, Russell Cripps, was born.
Mark was a music man through and through, passionate and enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge with others. He began his career teaching music in Walthill, Nebraska, for five years before moving to Moville, Iowa. There he taught for nine years, when he took a break from the teaching circuit to open Lifestyle Sports with his wife, Sandy. The pair owned and operated the sporting goods store in Sioux City for 20 years. Mark then returned to teaching in Moville, where he remained for 13 years. He finished his career teaching music at WITCC in Sioux City for five years, until his retirement.
Music was Mark's career and his passion from a young age. Beginning in high school, he played bass guitar in a band known as The Mustangs, and the group played for several years. They were even inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Arnold's Park!
He is survived by his wife, Sandy Cripps; his son, Russell Cripps (Lynn); grandchildren: Edie and Dylan Cripps; great-grandchildren: Ethan and David Cripps; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Doug Cripps.
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Memories and Condolences
for Mark Cripps
Sponsored by Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel.
Paula Richendifer Bell
April 15, 2024
Mr Cripps was our Music Director in Walthill. He changed the trajectory of my life and inspired me to greater aspirations. I am forever greatful his path crossed mine. What a wonderful human
Cindy
March 30, 2024
The celebration of life is at 5:30 April 12 @aggies
Cindy
March 24, 2024
Celebration of life is Friday April 12 at Aggies in sgt bluff at 5pm! Let´s celebrate this amazing man!! He is my Uncle but really my 2nd Dad! Let´s show Sandy and Russ how much we all love him
Randy Betsworth
March 14, 2024
A great friend. Wish I could be at his funeral.
Jennifer True (Hitchcock) San Antonio TX
March 9, 2024
So saddened by the news. Mr. Cripps made band. I have many great memories of high school marching band that there are too many to list. I have carried marching band with me for years and still do to some extent. It was even heart warming when my older two joined marching band during their high school career. You will surely be missed. Prayers.
Mark Rippke
February 13, 2024
Mr. Cripps had a great sense of humor, endless patience, and a true love and talent for music. Those traits equipped him perfectly to connect with students and make the most out of their band experiences. The amount of time he poured into early morning practices, Friday night football games and weekend competitions showed his dedication and deep caring for WC´s band program. I´m thankful to have known and learned from such a special person and am saddened by his passing. Mr. Cripps will be missed and remembered fondly.
Benjamin Catus
February 5, 2024
This man taught me that there's always something new to learn, and that's the beauty and adventure of music. The journey of developing your skill doesn't have to end. Knowing that there were always new discoveries to make was honestly one of the things that really kept me going during hard times.
Robin L Neville
February 3, 2024
I was very saddened to hear of the passing of this great man. I don't know if he ever realized how much he influenced all of us. We learned so much from him and developed many life-long friendships with "the band kids" through our time spent in his class. It was where we all wanted to be. I'd like to think that a lot of how I teach is because of him. Sandy and Russ, I am so very sorry for your loss.
Julie Berens
February 1, 2024
We are so sorry for Mark´s passing. All the comments from students and families tell what a great teacher and inspiration he was to them. He accomplished and gave so much thru his talent! Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sandy, Russ, Barney, Chris and their families.
Julie and Bill Berens
Jessica Davis
January 21, 2024
Jessica Davis
January 21, 2024
Jessica Davis
January 21, 2024
Jessica Davis
January 21, 2024
Jessica Davis
January 21, 2024
Mark was my great uncle and he definitely was a great uncle. Such a talented, wise, and loving man. He was sharp and brilliant and quick witted and I enjoyed everything about him. From his tough exterior to his kind, nurturing heart. I will miss him every day and always wish that there had been more time. I loved hearing him tell stories of his band days. I see that many of you commenting on here were his band students. He was very proud of all of you and truly enjoyed his time teaching something he was so passionate about. He had been retired for a while now, but found joy in teaching yet again when he decided to start giving my son, Noah, guitar lessons just a few years back. The two of them bonded over music and their passion for the arts. Mark also felt a strong desire to help get my Noah started early on the trombone, so that he would feel ready for band life and be ahead of his classmates. He truly cared about Noah and enjoyed his time with him. I loved watching this bond and friendship grow. It was beautiful. They laughed and joked and learned from one another. I feel blessed to have heard stories about my mother spending time with her uncle Mark and aunt Sandy when she was a kid, then to have spent time with my great uncle Mark and great aunt Sandy when I was growing up, and to have had the pleasure to watch the two of them interact with my three children as great, great uncle Mark and great, great aunt Sandy. Such a treasure and a privilege. They are both the kindest, most loving, and giving people. I will be forever grateful for them both. I miss Mark and intend to cherish Sandy even more than I already have so far, knowing that time is fleeting and there is just never enough of it. I truly hope Mark knew how much we appreciated and loved him. Rest easy, jazz man.
Laura Bonaventura
January 21, 2024
Mark Cripps you were such an important part of my son's musical growth. First as his HS band instructor at WC then as his instructor at WITCC. Blake's love of jazz grew under your tutelage. He continues today to have a passion for jazz. Thank you for being the mentor you were. RIP
Heather Bryan
January 21, 2024
Mr. Cripps was a great person and wonderful band teacher. He had a big heart, friendly to everyone, kind, caring, and understanding to all of his students. He developed a great and fun band program and gave his students a reason to want to be in band, to share his love for music! Working at WC, I got the opportunity to talk to Mr. Cripps often, and he loved to talk, :) it was always an interesting and informative conversation. Both of my children had him as a band instructor, and had so much respect for him, and he gave the respect right back to them. Mr. Cripps, you will be missed- God Bless!
David Mulfinger
January 21, 2024
Thank you, you will be dearly missed. Highschool band was a great part of my life and lessons learned for years to come. I have so many great memories with Mark.
Rick Eliason
January 19, 2024
Mark was my best Freind as we were going to West Junior in Sioux City. His girl Sandy was also a good freind. R I P Mark.
Warren Grieve
January 19, 2024
Mark and I have been friends since fourth grade. We played model cars together, and later in life we would go to lunch once a month, ( beer included) and solve the world´s problems.
Mark was a wonderful friend and classmate, you will be greatly missed. Rest in peace my friend, Warren Grieve.
Cindy Strong
January 19, 2024
Mark was a second Dad to me! My husband and him decided they were brothers! We will miss him forever! I love him and Sandy so much they are always there for us! Russ is my cousin and brother! My heart hurts so bad for my family love you uncle
Janice Rosenbaum
January 19, 2024
So sorry to hear of your loss! I worked with Mark at Woodbury Central School! He was a great teacher and a very talented musician! I enjoyed knowing him and working with him! Sincere condolences to his family!
Janice Rosenbaum!
Denny and Joanie McWilliams
January 19, 2024
We were saddened to learn of Mark´s passing.
Sandy, our thoughts are with you and your family
at this time. May your beloved memories give you comfort as well. Remembering our days in high school, they were pretty special. God Bless,
Denny and Joanie McWilliams
Tod Knudsen
January 19, 2024
What I will remember about Mark, is his humor. he seemed to always have a way to take any subject. And make it fun or humorous. I did now have as much time in high school with him as others did.But he did talk me into coming back out for band and playing the tuba. Finally band was fun for me. I wished I would have changed from the trumpet years before. He always had time to talk and knew me every time he saw me. Mark was a great guy. It is hard to find words for him right now. But I am glad I got to know him.
Mary Schultz
January 19, 2024
Mark was a great man! He made coming to Woodbury Central so many years ago such an easy transition. I loved his passion for music; it was contagious. He wasn't only a colleague, but a great friend. I will miss his witty comments and hardy laugh. God bless!
Kee Ann Mulfinger
January 19, 2024
I had about given up my dream of my kids having great musical experiences in band at Woodbury Central like I had at SC East. Then Mr. Cripps came back to WC. He made music fun and accessible. Three of our four sons were in band and jazz band. They each played the instruments they started with plus several others, because of Mark. He brought out the music in his students. It was magical to watch. He was a professional, but not a music snob. He knew the boys well and was excited for our sons´ accomplishments, even for the one who was not in band. Sandy, Russ and family, thanks for sharing him with us. Kee Ann Mulfinger
Jeff kirby
January 19, 2024
Mark
Thanks for helping me to love all things music. You had an enormous impact on me in helping me to understand that music was so much more than just a bunch of thrown together notes on a piece of paper. You were a blessing to all our families on both the Roman and Kirby sides. I am so grateful to have visited with you for such a long while at my mother´s funeral last year.
Cousin Jeff
Cousin Jeff Kirby
Ken Heaton
January 19, 2024
Mark was a Great Classmate at Central. Our thoughts and Prayers are with Sandy and the family. Rest In Peace
Ken Heaton
Barney Pottebaum
January 19, 2024
Mark was my uncle but more like a second Dad and a good friend. We got to enjoy a lot of time at the lakes just hanging out. I miss him every day. He is in a better place and isn't suffering anymore. My prayers are with Sandy and Russ as it has left a big hole in their hearts. Life goes way to quickly and unfortunately, you can't buy more time. God Bless you Mark, Sandy, and Russ. Love Barney
Christen Howrey
January 18, 2024
Mark was such a great teacher. He always gave his best to the kids and it was an honor to work with him. He gave the kids so many great experiences and pushed them to be their best. He grew the program to be its best and was something to be proud of. I will always have great memories of him at WC. Rest in peace my friend. My sympathies to you Sandy and Russ.
Rhonda Stokes-Ervin
January 18, 2024
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Mr. Cripps was a wonderful person and music instructor. I have thought of him often through the years. Rest in Peace.
Heather Rollison
January 18, 2024
I´m heart broke over this loss of such a great band teacher, colleague, and friend! I worked with Mark at WC. He played and I did the singing! Such a talented and caring man! I will be missed by so many!! RIP Mark! Prayers to his family and all his student as this is a great loss.
Dylan Muckey
January 18, 2024
Mr. Cripps was the inspiration behind my instrument collection, my interest in Jazz music, and my desire to one day teach music. A true example of someone who followed their passions. For all of the hard times we may have given him as kids, the students of Woodbury Central were lucky to have had an influence like Mark. His memory, and the love of music that he inspired in so many, will certainly live on. Until next time, Mr. Cripps.
Kim Koehler
January 18, 2024
Mark was my band teacher all through high school, and then he taught my children. After I graduated from school, I always enjoyed getting to talk to Mark. He has been the topic of many funny conversations and happy memories. My children and I have often said that we wished my grandchildren could have had him as an instructor. (Just this past week, we were talking about him and wondering what he was doing these days.) The world lost a fantastic man.
Danielle Paulsen
January 18, 2024
To the man who taught me to love jazz, gave me a cheater mouthpiece to blast the high notes, stoked my love for skiing, and pushed me to join the Hawkeye Marching Band, which completely set the course for my adult life. He was a great man and teacher who impacted me and many of my peers profoundly. Band was "cool" because of Mr. Cripps. I´m putting on some jazz now in honor of him and his family, and sending love from Chicago, where our blues is a little more blue today.
Pam Allner-Anderson
January 18, 2024
Sorry to hear of your loss, Sandy, Russ& family. I was in Russ´s class at WC, taught with Mark, & he was my oldest son´s band instructor. Thankful that he shared his love for music with all the students at WC. RIP Pam Allner Anderson
Karen Van Norman
January 18, 2024
I just heard about Mark´s passing. I´m happy that some of the Class of 77 folks got together with him when we had our reunion in 2022. Such a great teacher and friend.
My thoughts are with you Sandy and Russ (whom I used to babysit). Cherish the fond memories.
Karen Enstrom
January 18, 2024
Sandy, please know that my thoughts are with you and your family. Mr. Cripps was an inspirational band instructor, sharing his passion for music with all. Participating in concert band, marching band, and jazz band are some of my fondest memories from high school. My sincere condolences, Karen
Doug Kizzier
January 18, 2024
I've known Mark for 50 years, first as a teacher, then as a friend, and finally as a coworker. You couldn't ask for a better person for any of those roles than Mark. We spent many hours talking about music and life in general. I will truly miss this man. Sound the trumpets!
Randall S. Woods
January 18, 2024
So sorry to hear Mark has passed away prayers to the family and friends
Shelley Sparr Polkinghorn
January 18, 2024
I started band at WC in 5th grade with Mark. Many good memories of HS band trips (even the KC trip when the bus broke down). I was very happy when he returned to WC and taught my kids. Fundraisers, Sandy´s special funnel cake recipe, my kids ski trips - he touched many lives.
Larry Kisor
January 18, 2024
So sorry for your loss, Sandy and Russell! He was a good friend, and will be missed!
Kim Hamman
January 18, 2024
Our heartfelt sympathies go out to you and your family. Mark was a huge inspiration to the WC family and will never be forgotten. He would always stop and talk to me in the mornings. May he be singing (or playing music) with the angels. RIP Mark
Brooke Tabke
January 18, 2024
Mr. Cripps was the best teacher and mentor I could ask for. He was always quick to crack a joke or bring a smile to your face. Just a true authentic person with a big heart who inspired so many to pursue and develop their musical talents. As a student at WC, Mr. Cripps provided an outlet and a space to express my most authentic self and for that I will be forever grateful. My sincere condolences to the Cripps family.
Scott B. Herbold
January 18, 2024
It was with a heavy heart I learned about Mark´s passing. He was a wonderful teacher and friend. Our time spent marching on the field, counting rests in concert band, and dazzling in Jazz band were among some of my favorite memories. His expectations were high and we excelled under his direction. Indeed, there weren´t any of us who wouldn´t have walked through fire for Mark or Paula Keeler. We went through High school at just the right time...The band was huge because he made it that way. Then for him to return twenty years later and make it into a monster program again, says so much about the man. Times spent visiting with Mark and Sandy years later continued to impress me with his love of music. He will be missed. -Scott Herbold (Class of 81)
Randal Washburn
January 18, 2024
Mark was my "neighbor" Band Director when he was at Woodbury Central and I was at Kingsley-Pierson. He was a great conversationalist and very effective Director. Condolences to his family.
Alan Neville
January 18, 2024
Mr. Cripps was my high school band director and was my favorite teacher. Like all great teachers, he pushed me and shared his love of music. He was a big reason why I went on to obtain a Bachelor of Music degree from USD. My sister, Robin, and I have many fond members of our time in band at Woodbury Central. Deepest sympathy to his family.
Danya Wolff
January 18, 2024
Mr Cripps was a wonderful and supportive music teacher. He challenged his students to step out of their comfort zone and helped develop some pretty amazing musicians. I'm so lucky to have been his student and the world is lucky to have had him in it.
Pete Hittle, New Orleans, LA
January 18, 2024
Mark was one of the best band directors I´ve ever known. He was a mentor to me as a young teacher and an old family friend. I´m greatly saddened by his passing. God bless you all.
Angie Sleezer
January 18, 2024
Mr. Cripps was a big part of my life in band in high school and inspired me to be the marching band majorette. He had such a big heart and loved teaching. I have many fond memories of him. Prayers to all of his family
Bonnie Hansen
January 18, 2024
I cannot express my sadness . Our kids loved him and when we saw him, he never failed to ask and catch up. God give u strength we send love and prayers. Doug and Bonnie Hansen
Alex Collins
January 18, 2024
I pray that Mark knew and could feel the impact that he had on those around him. I know I´m not alone in saying that most of my best memories from Woodbury Central involved him somehow. He was real, and authentically unique every single day. Rest easy, Mr. Cripps.
Lynda Sage Harris
January 18, 2024
Sandy and Family
My heartfelt condolences to you all on the loss of Marc. He was a good guy and I know your hearts are breaking. I am keeping you all in my prayer.
Denise Heiman
January 18, 2024
Feeling a great sense of loss. Sandy and Russ, many heartfelt condolences your way. Mark was a big part of my life both times at Woodbury Central. Great guy with a big heart. My sympathies and hugs.
Jill Rapp
January 18, 2024
May your loving memories help you to get through this difficult time. I worked at Woodbury Central with Mark. I was blessed to see him touch the lives of so many students through his passion for music! Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Alex (Howrey) Gerdes
January 18, 2024
Mr. Cripps was an awesome band teacher. He touched the lives of so many students. He made band fun, planning all the trips and competitions. I have great memories of Mr. Cripps. He built a very successful band program at Woodbury Central. Thinking of his family at this time.
Scott Barto
January 18, 2024
I remember him teaching music at Moville when I was in school !!
He was always nice and remembered my name !!
Then when he had the Lifestyle sports he still remembered my name !! He was so nice and always offered information when asked ! I often think of him. He will be missed !!!
I pray that the Lord comforts his family through this time !!!!!!
Christen Howrey
January 18, 2024
So sorry to hear this. We loved having Mark at Woodbury Central. He took a struggling program to an award winning music program. He was amazing and the kids learned so much from him and had fun. He will truly be missed.
Cindy Fleckenstein
January 18, 2024
Sandy we are so sad for your loss. Mark truly was a great guy and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
Barb and Doug Deming
January 18, 2024
Sandy and Russ, I was sad to read of Mark´s passing. We were at WC a lot of years together. I always enjoyed visiting with both of you when I would see you out and about. So many memories. We send our sincere sympathy !
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