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Mark Edward Zehner

Mark Zehner Obituary

Mark Edward Zehner

Mark Edward Zehner, 51, of Yelm, passed away of cancer at home on June 2, 2009. Mark was born March 14, 1958 in Walla Walla to Ed and Marilyn Zehner. He was a long time resident of Olympia and graduated from Timberline High School. Mark owned Northwest Foreign Auto Parts and Repair for 27 years and he loved Volkswagens. He enjoyed hiking, sailing, road trips and loved barbequing for his friends and family.
Mark is survived by his parents; his sons, Stuart and Michael of Olympia; his loving partner, Theresa Suzawith and her daughter, Mantia Suzawith of Yelm; sister, Barbara Carter (Conrad Terry) of Silverdale; niece, Gina (Dean) Crosswhite of Ferndale; nephew, Daniel Carter; two grand nieces and one grand nephew. He was preceeded in death by his sister Connie Sue Bell.
A Celebration of Mark's life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, June 13, 2009 at Sound Sound Manor. It will be a memorial service followed by a potluck barbeque. South Sound Manor (previously Masonic Center) is at 455 North St. SE, Tumwater.

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

Published by The Olympian on Jun. 9, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Mark Zehner

21 Entries

Rachel Rutherford

August 22, 2021

Awwwww, cripes. It is now 2021, and I wondered what Mark Zehner has been up to -- only to find that sadly he passed away more than a decade ago. However, from reading all these fond and loving tributes it is clear that he blossomed into a wonderful man. Good on ya, Mark.

I went to high school with Mark. I was a weird brainiac piano-playing kid and he was a sunny friendly guy who moved easily between groups. Not a cool kid, perhaps, but welcomed by them -- and miles cooler than me.

So one long slow hot desultory August late afternoon, a bunch of us are in the Hoskins' basement, over by the golf course. We are sitting on the couches, laying around, talking, snacking, and listening to music. Records? Cassettes? Music. Tower of Power. Cat Stevens. Simon and Garfunkel. Steely Dan.

After a while a few people get up to dance. I settle in to watch. Then -- "Hey, Rachel, you wanna dance?" asked Mark. "Sure," I said, panicked at never having danced before. But Mark made it easy. We danced a fast one then a slow one then he moved on to dance with someone else -- but my world had blown open. I didn't know what dancing was before, but after one slow dance my whole body was like: THIS IS DANCING? OH HECK YEAH. MORE PLEASE!

I sat back down on the couch, dazed and whirling, forever grateful that Mark Zehner, who was so much cooler and taller and better looking than me, had taken a chance, or had simply reached out from kindness, and asked a weirdo like me to dance. For those three minutes, wrapped in song and male warmth and easy acceptance, I relaxed.

Thank you, Mark. You sure did not have to be kind or brave or strong or friendly. But you were, and it changed me forever. I could not have had a warmer, more easy-going, natural introduction to the gloriousness of men.

I am glad you had a good life. I am glad you were so loved. You deserve it. You lent us grace.

Rest in peace, Mark. Thanks for the dance.

Lee Hauser

July 2, 2009

Thank you Mark, for your loyalty to the youth of Olympia, and for your contributions to the community.

Kevin Hauser

July 2, 2009

I did not know Mark personally, and now wish I did. He was a great mechanic that worked on my VW's over the years. My daughter, Carolyn was heart broken to hear the news. What a stand up guy Mark must have been. May he rest in peace.

Andy Sanchez

June 26, 2009

My parents bought me a VW Bug when I turned 16 back in 1981.....since then I have owned at last count 25 Volkswagens. I have always enjoyed stopping in the shop to get parts and to just visit with Mark. He was one of the nicest people I have had the pleasure of knowing in my life. I will miss him dearly. My thoughts are with his family.

Mantia Suzawith

June 25, 2009

Mark (Poppie)
I did not have a dad growin up, but was raised a golden child by my mother Theresa. (lol) I was actually a problem child but when i got my life together finally, Mark had become a huge part of my mom's life. And i very quickly and with open arms welcomed him into my life as my dad. I have never seen my mom as happy as she was when she was with him, and when ever i saw him, he always had this amazing smile and a twinkle in his eye. I do not regret that i had not known him longer... the time that i did have with him was well spent..and a blessing to even have known him. Thank you mark , for being a part of my mom's and my life, and thank you for bringing me two wonderful brothers. Even though you are gone you are always in my heart and my mind

Bruce Palm

June 13, 2009

Mark was one of those rare people you meet on the planet who even though people would not do the right thing, he would smile and shrug and we would get down to business. People do not always live up to our expectations, Mark was one of the exceptions, and he helped me to remember to live my life as he did. It was heart warming to see all those that attended his memorial, I hope to help in anyway I can to continue his legacy, NW Foreign. God Bless you Mark, for your spirit, your kindness, and heart.

GREG WEITER

June 13, 2009

THERE ARE FEW PEOPLE THAT MAKE AN HONEST LIVING WHILE HELPING LESS FORTUNATE PEOPLE ALONG THE WAY. WITH THE RECENT PASSING OF THE ORIGINAL OF ALL OF THEM PETE LEA SR. THERE ARE NOW TWO LESS. THERE IS A HUGE HOLE IN OUR LITTLE UNIVERSE OUT ON MARTIN WAY AND OUR HEARTS. MARK WILL BE SORELY MISSED.

Connie Johnson

June 13, 2009

Mark was a good man, a fun friend and a great mechanic. He will be greatly missed. I remember the summers out at Black Lake, with my daughter Meg playing with my nephew Robby and with Michael and Stuart.Those were good days.

John Sidorowicz

June 12, 2009

Sorry to hear about Mark's passing. He was a great mechanic and kept my '73 bus running great. He'll be missed by many. Great job, Bro!

Nancy Murphy

June 11, 2009

Stuart and Michael;
I am so sorry that you lost your dad. It has been years since I've seen you or him but I remember clearly his laughter, bright positive energy and devotion to you.

Nancy, mother of Emerson Murphy-Hill

Joan Krause

June 10, 2009

Mark was in my wedding in 1965 and carried the rings with a beautiful smile and I loved him dearly. I will always remember him for helping my son with his VW parts and knowledge for Vintage cars. I will miss his smile.

Ronny Sorrells

June 10, 2009

I met mark 16 years ago when I was a broke teenager with a broken car. I had no idea how to fix it and no money. I stopped in hoping to pick his brain on how to fix my 63 bug. After talking about it for a few Mark told me to pull the car in the shop and he would let me use his tools give me the part and show me how to fix it. In return I told him I would help clean his shop. That was the start of a long friendship. I owe mark a lot of gratitude for many things. He was always willing to work a deal out with me when I didn’t have money for parts I needed whether I would clean or go get his lunch or just watch the shop for a few when he would have to run an errand. I learned a great deal from him over the years, work ethic being a big one. I’m sure I carry some of his personality with me now. The whole time I was with him we were laughing about something. Well years past and whenever I was back in town visiting I would make sure to stop in with 6 pack of corona beer to share with him over good conversation. In March of this year I stopped in for what I did not know would be the last time. It was my best visit though. We were catching up I was talking about where I was in life. Mark piped up and said “finally someone listened to me” and he was proud. Those words will stick with me forever. Thank you Mark thank you for everything. I wish there was a way to repay you. You will be missed by many.

Scott Williams

June 10, 2009

I'm so sorry to hear of Mark's passing. I've only known Mark for a couple of years, since I bought an old VW van. The previous owner always took it to Mark, and I quickly learned why-- he was not only a great mechanic, but a great guy and an honest businessman. He'll be missed by a lot of people in the Oly VW community, especially by me and my family. Aloha, Mark.

Amberleigh Goldsby

June 10, 2009

Mark could make you laugh just by looking at you. Just a wonderful energy and light shined from him. I'm so sorry, Stu & Micheal. With Love,

Bob Chambers

June 10, 2009

Mark has been a great customer of mine for many years. He was always friendly and very professional, two traits not seen enough in this business. I'm very sad that he has passed, he will be missed by myself and the guys in my office. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

Barbara Rinehardt

June 9, 2009

I never met you, Mark, but I know that you were one of the world's great people. You were like a big brother to my daughter Kim, one of your "best" customers who always turned to you to fix her beloved Jetta so she could keep her baby on the road - and you always came through for her. Many times she told us how kind you were and how talented. And not long ago she mentioned that you told her she might think about finding another mechanic and that she should find a car that didn't need quite so much of your skilled care. I wish I could have known you - but I feel like even though we never met face to face - I knew you through Kim and the many stories she shared with us about your talents and your ever present kindness. Our love and prayers are with you and your loved ones. Thank you Mark for just being who you were and for making a difference in this world.

With love,
Barbara Rinehardt

Kim Rinehardt

June 9, 2009

Mark always was one of the best men I ever knew. Mark was like a brother to me. We had plenty of opportunities to share about life while he took care of my vehicle. I was lucky enough to know what a wonderful human being he was. I will miss his smile, his humor, his generous spirit and we are all better having known him.-Kim Rinehardt

Jessica Reeson (Annette)

June 9, 2009

I don't know what I would have done as a young child if my Uncle Mark and Aunt Janice weren't there to help me out. I still cannot believe that he is gone and so quickly. At least I have a whole lot of wonderful memories of my Uncle Mark. He would always make me laugh with the comments he would make or jokes he would tell. We were all very lucky to have him in our lives. You will be missed so much. Rest In Peace Uncle Mark!! WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!

Jessica Reeson (Annette)& Family

Jerry Hayward

June 9, 2009

I went to hight school with Mark. I was also fortunate to see him when he went fishing out of Zittel's marina when I worked there. I will always remember his smile. Anyone who knew him will miss him. Jerry Hayward, Mesa Arizona

Meridee Marsh

June 9, 2009

This world is indeed a better place for having had your dad, Mark, in it. That smile, his humor, his love are lasting memories and will always be remembered by all those that were lucky enough to know him. Peace to you all.

Meridee & Les Marsh

Jill (Nunez) & Jeff Krasch

June 9, 2009

I met Mark 21 years ago when I had my orange convertible bug & later my husband (Jeff Krasch) and I met he was also a VW bus - and Mark was a big fan of us getting together. We will miss his happy friendly smile when we'd walk in the door at the shop to get parts - he always took the time to visit with us and go the extra mile to help us out! We will miss you Mark!

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