Mark grew up in multiple small towns in Nebraska. Mark's dad served as a pastor in Fairbury, Arlington, and Neligh, Nebraska, as well as Menno, SD. He received his undergraduate degree from Augustana University and his Master's degree from the University of Minnesota. After his college graduation in 1984, Mark served as a teacher and coach at Aurora, NE for four years. He returned to Augustana University in 1988 to begin serving as the Director of Recreational Services. He continues to serve in this role at Augustana today. Mark married Carmen in 1987, they have three adult children. Keegan, married to Alaina, who both teach at Brandon Valley HS. Daughter Peyton, who teaches at the Elementary Immersion Center in Sioux Falls, and their son Cale, who is the head volleyball coach at SF O'Gorman as well as coaching volleyball full time with the Avera based Kairos Volleyball club.
Mark grew up in a Christian home where attending church, reading the bible, and prayer were all priorities. If asked, throughout middle school and high school, Mark would have shared that he was a Christian. However, it was not until Mark's early years at Augustana, that his "head knowledge" about Christ, by God's grace, was turned into a heart's desire and affection for Christ. God continues to grow Mark in Christlikeness and deepen his love for God's word, prayer, the gospel, his neighbor, and one another.
Mark and his wife Carmen have attended and been members at Faith for over 26 years. He currently serves as an elder and faith group leader. He has also served over the years as a youth Sunday School teacher, VBS teacher, college age/young adult teacher, and in various other ministry area.
Mark enjoys a variety of exercise, recreation and sports opportunities. Volleyball and pickleball are certainly at the top of the list of activities. Spending time participating in these sport activities with his wife and adult kids make them even sweeter. He is an avid Husker volleyball and football fan.