Mark Jankowski Nov 1, 1970 – September 28, 2020
Mark was born November 1, 1970, in Helena, Montana, the place which captured his heart forever. At the age of four months, he was delivered into the loving arms of his new parents, Walter and Sandra Jankowski, who were so excited to start their family after having just moved to Helena from Michigan. He was joined two years later by a sister, Lisa, and in three more years by a brother, Daniel. Mark’s enthusiasm for life and exploring everything was abundantly evident from the beginning. The family spent most of their leisure time camping in summers, cross country skiing McDonald Pass in winters and enjoying get-togethers with friends in a close-knit Carroll College faculty group and with others from church and YMCA Indian Guides. Mark’s sixth grade year was spent in White Bear Lake, Minnesota where he led his brother and sister on forages into the nearby woods and building snow tunnels in the five-foot-deep snow, above all of their heads, which lasted and lasted for weeks, covering their front and back yards.
The family returned to Helena to allow Mark to enter middle school here and to attend church youth group and Flathead Lake Methodist camp each summer – all mostly under the leadership of Rev. George Harper. George’s mission was to provide the belonging culture of a “second family” caring deeply for each other, and of course FUN. Desiring to nurture Mark’s tactile learning style in preparation for high school, the family took off with grandma in tow to Washington, DC via Amtrak. This trip was a seminal event for Mark as he gained a sense of awe and love for his country which influenced him the rest of his life.
Mark had a paper route several years, played football freshman year, and the family travelled the state in our Scout for Bill Koch cross country ski league races most winter weekends throughout high school. Prior to senior year, Mark joined the National Guard and attended basic training in El Paso, Texas followed by an assignment driving huge trucks full of guard members over the Red Lodge pass into the big Yellowstone fires of August that year. During senior year he decided to enter the Army Ranger school at Fort Hood after he graduated from high school. A tragic event occurred during that training which ended that commitment after just a few months. Mark returned to Montana and graduated with a degree in heavy equipment operation from the Missoula Vo Tech and then worked construction for a time in Missoula before returning to Helena.
The Colonial Inn restaurant became Mark’s first in a series of sous-chef jobs, following his mentor chef, Arnie Finkelstein, from restaurant to restaurant around Helena. At one summer interval between these jobs, he hired on with a fire service food contractor, mostly on the Seeley Lake fire. Upon returning in the fall, hoping to wait and hire with the Forest Service the next summer, he spent 4-5 months as a full-time volunteer helping Duane McNeil complete the clearstory finish work on the new St. Paul’s church building. The church advertised that they needed help from someone not afraid of heights and Mark fit that description just fine. Mark spent the rest of his work life thereafter cooking and during that time became father to Darian Anderson and Christian Jankowski. His children and then his granddaughter were the light of his life until he passed away. He remained fiercely loyal to his friends and family, who always knew that he had their back in time of need.
Those preceding Mark in death were his father Walter A. Jankowski, and grandparents Walter W. and Irma Jankowski, and Olin and Alberta Haltom, and several close friends whose loss he deeply mourned in the last few years.
Those surviving Mark (from Helena unless otherwise specified) include his children Darian Anderson and Christian Jankowski (Keystone, SD); granddaughter Betty Anderson; mother Sandra Jankowski; sister Lisa Jankowski; brother Daniel Jankowski and Dan’s children Reid and Brynn Jankowski and Ash Edwards (Bozeman); uncle William Lee Jankowski (Norman, OK); aunt Laurel Kaiser (Joliet, IL); and cousins William Lyle Jankowski (Mystic, CT), Matthew Jankowski (Norman, OK), Steve Grimes (SC) and Scott Grimes (IL), and parenting partners Michelle Anderson and Shannel Waite (Keystone, SD).
A family graveside burial service was held Oct. 9, 2020, at Forestvale Cemetery. A memorial service to celebrate Mark’s life will be held July 20, 2022, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Helena at 11:00 AM. Masks, properly worn, will be encouraged or required, depending on Covid statistics, for everyone attending to protect the lives of those Mark and our family care for.
Our profound gratitude is extended to the staff at St. Peter’s Hospital who cared so compassionately for Mark the last years of his life and to all of his friends who came to visit and provide comfort as his health was declining. Those wishing to honor Mark’s memory are invited to visit the beloved place where he spent so many of his last days and which he named his “Star Palace”, located on the highest part of South Hills Road where it opens up and overlooks the Helena Valley coming in from the west off of Lime Kiln Road.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday July 20, 2022
St Paul’s United Methodist Church
512 Logan St
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday July 20, 2022
St Paul’s United Methodist Church
512 Logan St
Helena, Montana 59601
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Carol Dolan says
Sandy,
Tom and I are so sad to learn of Mark’s passing. My heart is breaking for you and your family. Mark’s smile and our memories of him in our neighborhood will always be with us.
Prayers and hugs,
Tom and Carol
Kay Hoy says
Sandy, Lisa and Dan, I was so sorry to hear about Mark’s passing. Mark was such a big part of our kids (and ours) lives while growing up. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Kay and Jere
Fran says
Dear Sandy,
Deeply sorry to learn of your son’s passing.
With loving comfort,
Fran V.
Christine L Snyder says
Sandy and family,
Rich and I are so sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. We used to love running into him in different restaurants around town. He always had a smile and seemed to always recognize us as we aged. Our hearts go out to all of your family. We will keep you close in prayers.
Love,
Chris and Rich
Marci Williams says
Dearest Sandy and family, Derek and I were so sad to hear of Mark’s passing. He was a gem – with a quick wit and huge smile. What a loss for this world! We are here for you. Love- Marci
Rosemary Shively says
Sandy, Lisa, and Dan,
Tom and I are so very sad to hear of Mark’s passing. Praying for strength for your family during this time.
Virtual hugs to all.
Rosemary and Tom
Dan and Juli says
Sandy, Lisa and Dan,
We are so sorry to learn of Marks passing. This world is truly a sadder place without him. His humor, his charm, sharp wit and generous heart will be missed.
Sending our prayers,
The Satterfields
Jim Lytle says
I’m sad to hear of Mark’s passing. Such a big-hearted fun person and friend. I still have some pretty rocks and fossils he gave me, also a few little train-set cars. I will think of him and his smile and his fun kind self and his laugh -for the rest of my life every time i look at any of these memoirs from him. Love and hugs to you his family and friends. 406-594-5059 let me know when you have a memorial gathering. -Jimmy Lytle
Maranda Faley says
When I heard about Marks passing it broke my heart. His laugh was contagious. Whenever he laughed everyone else laughed. Whenever I was down he always made me feel so much better. Im so upset that hes gone. But hes in a better place now and not in pain. I just have to think of the good memories we had. He was like another father figure to me. I love you Mark and Youll always have a place in my heart no matter what. Hugs to his family <3
Beth and Craig says
We are so sorry for your loss. Prayers and love to you and your family
Kathy Martinka says
Sandy,
My thoughts are with you in this difficult time. Remember the good times!
Kathy Martinka
Susan and Cody Mitchell says
Sandy and family,
Thinking of you during this time of mourning. Hugs to you all.
Susan and Cody
Mary Kelley says
Sandy and family,
Jack and I are are thinking of you at this difficult time. May your favorite memories sustain you as you adjust over time to this loss.
Mary and Jack
Joanie Werner Mathis says
Dear Sandy,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. We are not prepared to lose our children. I pray peace and comfort to your heart. Be blessed
Paulette Kohman says
I am so sad to hear that Mark has died. I remember him always with a smile. May you and your family share memories of happier days with Mark as you move forward during this difficult time.
Margy Kernan says
Dear Sandy and family,
Clif and I are so very sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. Our prayers for comfort in your sorrow and peace in your hearts will continue. May God’s enduring love hold you close.
Margy and Clif
Noreen Raynor says
Sandy, I’m so saddened about the news of your son’s death. Sounds like he was a wonderful person. 🙏🏻
Frank Kromkowski says
Dear Sandy,
Carol and I are so sorry to hear of your son Mark’s death.
Blessings to you during this hard time.
Cathy Campbell says
Dear Sandy and Lisa,
I am so sorry to learn about Mark’s death. It seems not so long ago that he was helping with shearing. He was so cheerful and willing to do anything. Sending my prayers, Cathy
Helen says
Sandy, Lisa and Dan,
Sending our love and prayers in the loss of your son Mark. Remembering the days on Gold Rush and sharing parenting memories. May he be at peace and may the treasured memories help bring you peace.
Helen & Joe Beausoleil
Brigit Hemmer says
Sandy and family,
So sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. Thinking of you all.
Brigit (Dolan) Hemmer
Mike Young says
Dear Sandy and family,
We were so sad when we heard of Mark’s tragic death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you! So sorry we’ve not kept in touch over the years. Wishing you the best.
Shirley & Mike Young
Donna Erwin says
Mark’s Kindergarten teacher sends her condolences. I remember Mark as a quiet, sensitive and very sweet student. Sympathy goes out to his Mom, his brother Danny and his sister Lisa (all of my former K kids).
Deb says
My deepest sympathy to Lisa, Dan and Sandy for the loss of your beloved brother and son. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Marty Thieltges says
I remember Mark working on St. Paul’s with Dwayne. That lift was huge!! He was able to calm my nerves when I wanted to go up. He was kind and gentle, and the world has lost a special soul. Thinking of you all.