In memory of

Mark Dennis Heppner

Feb 5, 1951
Jan 22, 2018

Obituary

Mark Dennis Heppner was born in La Junta, Colorado, on February 5, 1951 to Allen Glen and Verbie Irene (Becker) Heppner. He passed away in Independence, Oregon January 22, 2018.

Mark’s early childhood and most of his school years were spent in Moundridge, Kansas. In 1966 the Allen Heppner family moved to Oregon, where Mark graduated from Scio High School and attended Oregon State University.

Years later, he met and fell in love with Laura Rolene (Hochstetler, Nissley) and her two sons. Mark and Laura were married in Salem, Oregon on March 27th, 1988. Mark adopted Laura’s sons, Tad Michael and Robb Jeremy (Nissley). The family was blessed with another son, Dustin Cameron, on January 26, 1989.

In his younger years, Mark enjoyed many water-related sports and activities. He was a certified scuba instructor, and he enjoyed boating, camping, fishing, and skiing. He had a lifelong passion for western history and art, cars, hot rods, and an interest in inventing. Mark was an avid reader and enjoyed his daily ritual of morning coffee with a newspaper.

Part of Mark's life work was spent as a manager of rental properties in Kansas, Montana, and Oregon. In addition to this he had his own retail business selling watersports and sporting goods online. In recent years he managed a self-storage business in Windsor, Colorado. He and Laura moved back to Salem, Oregon, in August of 2017, to retire.

Mark’s life was characterized by his devotion to his faith and he enjoyed engaging in spiritual conversations. He often expressed admiration for the faith of those around him and he strived to live his life with integrity. In the mid 1970’s Mark made a life-changing decision, and committed his life to Christ. He was baptized in 2001, at Salem Alliance Church.

Mark’s concern for others was manifest by his diligence in caring for his aging mother. He called her daily when she was in nursing care, and he worked tirelessly in assisting her in every way he could.

One of Mark's chief joys was spending time with his family and friends. He never knew a stranger, and often struck up conversations with those who looked to be heading out for an adventure: fishing, boating, or hunting. He actively shared in the interests of his sons: creating inventions, collecting baseball cards, and attending basketball games and orchestra concerts. Valentine’s was a favorite holiday and he never missed planning something special with or for Laura.

Mark was preceded in death by two infant siblings, Sondra in 1945, and brother Timothy in 1959; by his father, Allen in 1999, his brother Caleb in 2008 and his mother Verbie in 2015. Mark is survived by his wife Laura, his son Tad and fiancé Petronella Kettunen of Gothenburg, Sweden; his son Robb and wife Abby, and their children Eli and Zeke of Salem, Oregon; his son Dustin of Independence, Oregon, and his sister Ilana Schmidt, and husband Brian of Moundridge, Kansas, and many dear cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and relatives.

Charitable contributions can be made in Mark's honor to Salem Alliance Church.

Service Information

Memorial Service
Tuesday February 6th, 2018 @ 2pm
Salem Alliance Church
555 Gaines St NE, Salem, OR 97301

Messages of Sympathy

  1. Ben Gooding says:

    I'm sorry for your loss. I'm encouraged by Mark's life.

  2. Ron & Diane Hershberger says:

    May the peace of God support you and your family during this difficult time. May the presence and power of Christ seen in Mark's life be the focal point of our remembrance of him.

  3. Dennis Hershberger says:

    Dear Laura , Dustin and family, So much enjoyed getting to know Mark at reunions in a way that encouraged me to live life fuller He radiated a joyful spirit that only comes from knowing Jesus. What a relief to know his life has just begun and we will see him again. May the Holy Spirit comfort as only He can!

  4. Saumra and Andrew Peaster says:

    Dearest Aunt Laura, and family,
    Our thoughts and prayers have been with all of these last couple weeks, and especially today as you remember Uncle Mark's life.
    Wishing we could be there to give each of you a hug!
    Our little boy Jed turned "1" today... he and his Great Uncle Mark were nearly Birthday twins!

    Much Love, Saumra, Andrew, and Jed Daniel

  5. Don and Pamela Hershberger says:

    Laura and Dustin, We were shocked to hear of Mark's passing. Our prayers have been that the Spirit of the Lord would make His presence known to you in this time of loss, and that the God of all comfort would indeed comfort you now during this time.

  6. Darrel and Kathy Nightingale says:

    As with many,our love amd prayers are with you,Laura and your family during these difficult days of saying goodbye. Words are so inadequate when the pain is so deep and unending!! Our Lord Jesus is the only on e who understands and can truly comfort. Mark is safely Home and as you said Laura, free from pain and with the Savior! Love yo u all!!

  7. Darrel and Kathy Nightingale says:

    As with many,our love amd prayers are with you,Laura and your family during these difficult days of saying goodbye. Words are so inadequate when the pain is do deep and unending!! Our Lord Jesus is the only on e who understands and can truly comfort. Mark is safely Home and as you said Laura, free from pain and with the Savior! Love yo u all!!

  8. Heri Purwanto says:

    Ibu Laura and Dustin, you both are in my heart and mind. My condolences on the passing of your beloved one. May God's grace and peace be with you both and family.

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