Mark “Markie” Anthony Luther, Lori’s baby, David’s little buddy, our son, our soldier, our best friend. Markie was born on January 21, 1983. An angel brought us a gift from God and closed her eyes. We were blessed to have a son as great as he was, there was so much life in him every day. He was and is a true gift of love.
Mark grew up in Helena with Deer Lodge being his second home with Grandpa Bud and Grandma Phyllis. Uncle Karl and Aunt Donna made sure of weekend trips to deer lodge to see his cousins, aunts and uncles. That includes his sidekick cousins: Julie, Janelle, Rachelle, Larry, J.R., Bisco, Joey, Aunt Debbie and many others were a part of the weekend get together. He always tried his best to show up when uncle Buck (aka Francis) was in town. Mark also loved the Ball/ Luther family reunions where he could see the cousins, aunts and uncles he loved, that he couldn’t see on a weekly basis, but loved them the same. He had a special bond with his Uncle Chris and loved going for a walk with Uncle Terry.
In 1994, Mark became his buddy’s son. David’s son. He went to school in Helena and graduated in 2002. He went to work for an hvac company and got married to his wife Michelle. They had two beautiful children; Adian 2005 and Hope 2007. Mark joined the army to supply for his wife and children. After serving in Kuwait and the surrounding areas he was returned home to base in Watertown, N.Y. Our son came home to us in Montana in 2016.
Mark found purpose in life: helping friends and saving everything he could, from plants to birds to kittens and especially people: Five dollars when he couldn’t afford it or bringing them home for a home cooked meal and a place to stay when he didn’t even know anything about them.
Mark was a great outdoors man. He loved fishing, hunting, collecting antlers, horns, skeletons, boiling Heads, collecting rocks, rodeo, golf (with dad especially) the Green Bay Packers, (Go Pack Attack), historical items and knives which he had a very nice collection and a new found passion of gardening. Mark always helped his parents. He was their lawn guy, driver, mechanic (except for his dad), plumber, painter, tree guy, road fixer, dad’s helper and golfing buddy. He was also our bodyguard, comic and creator of pallet forts. Mark loved his children very much and missed them all the time. Mark could not see a baby without comforting them and making them smile and a little giggle. They could feel his tender soul.
Mark had so many “BEST FRIENDS” (You know who you are). From Texas, Florida, New York to Canada, Idaho, Utah, Nebraska, Mark’s new big brother Dave Johnson and I’m sure many other places. He was loved by many.
In the early morning hours of Nov. 20, 2020 His life was taken from us. Mark always loved his knowledge of sign language. He would always leave with a big hug and a proud I Love You sign. Which always meant “I Love You”. Hugs were always free. He never would stand for or put up with a vet-fraud, liar, thief, or disrespect for any family member. The world is now empty of a kind, kind, loving man.
The angel opened her eyes and lead Mark home again. May you always feel God’s Love, Be Loved. You finally can rest and be pain free, our baby, our Peepers. Markie.
A memorial service celebrating Mark’s life will be held at 10 A.M. on Friday, March 19th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. (Feel free to wear PINK. Double Death Dog Dare Ya!!!!) Burial with Honors will follow the service at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. A reception will follow the burial at the V.F.W. Post 10010 in East Helena.
Markie has 1 last request…. JUST BE KIND TO EACH OTHER YOU F”NG NANCY’!!!!!!
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 am
Friday March 19, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Friday March 19, 2021
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the Burial
Friday March 19, 2021
VFW Post 10010
East Helena, Montan 59635
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 am
Friday March 19, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Friday March 19, 2021
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the Burial
Friday March 19, 2021
VFW Post 10010
East Helena, Montan 59635
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Dawn says
I remember when we were kids that he play over at our house when my mom and dad use to live on belt view he hangout with my brother a lot
Jim and Sally Wilcox says
We are so sorry for this tragedy. Our hearts break for you both. You all Have been in our thoughts and prayers and will continue to be in the days ahead. God Bless!!
Rita A Williams says
It hurts my heart that Mark is gone. I had Mark in 6th Grade at Helena Middle School and so enjoyed him. He was a kind and caring person and a gifted artist. Mark will be missed!
Ed and Raven says
We are so very sorry for your loss.
Tracey and Brendan Riley says
Lori, I am heartbroken for you and your family. Everytime I remember seeing Mark he was happy and kind. I am sending you peace and strength and Brendan and I will keep you and your family in our thoughts.
Jacques and Kimberly Beaudin says
Our hearts and thoughts are burdened with the knowledge of the pain we know you are going through.
We will always remember the kindness Mark showed us when our house burned down and our dogs perished, his response caused me to cry as he did doing what I could not do for one of the dogs. Our tears are with you as well, and prayers of strength are sent heavenward for you and your family.
Jill Shea says
Julie and family thinking of you today and the days ahead. My heart breaks for you ! Markie as I knew him was a great guy! Prayers go out to you.
Colleen Campbell says
Colleen C Boo & Coco
Just been thinking about you Lori. Thinking about you, your family, Markie, and your mom. I know we love you. I know you loved us. We were all so little. Just know your in everyone’s thoughts & prayers!❣
Diana Stewart says
I met Mark while working as a 20 year old para at HHS. I continued friendship with him from then on. He was always genuine. honest, respectful and an amazing person. It made me mad too hear about his situation and breaks my heart. I send my respects to all those that had r to witness this tragic event. I too have been in a similar situation. Too his wonderful mother I send my most heart felt condolences.
Amanda & Quin Sather says
Mark will be missed. Is was a kind and very thoughtful man. Dave and Lori quin and I are so sorry for the loss of mark. He will always be remembered as a great man.
Tawnia Walker and family says
Words can’t even begin to tell the stories we share the connection from a bite to a close friendship. You save my life I just wish I could’ve saved yours. You were such an amazing soul. You were such an inspiration to many! Your bright smile goofy shenanigans and out right spontaneousness will be missed dearly my friend love you till I see you again❤️
Cathy Hellwitz says
Lori, Dave and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I have many good memories with all of you.. I hope the Lord will help you find the strength to get through this. Markie will be missed by so many people who’s lives he touched. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Ryan Cooney says
I met Mark in 6th grade when we had lockers near each other at HMS. He was the same funny, kind and caring person that he was when I last chatted with him not too long ago. My tarantula molted and Mark wanted to add a spider molt to his collection of oddities. We never got to connect, which I really regret. So sorry for what Mark’s family and friends have lost. He was one of a kind and will be dearly missed.
Alex Nickerson says
You will always be my sunshine. Much love brother I’ll see you again this isn’t goodbye, but I’ll see you again much love my sunshine.
-Alex Your Sunshine.
Jeannie Schroeder says
So young and so sad; you will be missed Nephew! Sorry for your loss, Lori and David Luther!💕
Randy and marilyn says
Our hearts go out to you Lori and David, many prayers, for all God bless.
Beth Giddings says
Dave,
Keeping you in my warmest prayers now and in the days ahead. 💜
Lori J Apala says
Dave and Lori,
We were so fortunate to be blessed with Mark’s adventurous Spirit throughout the years. Mark brought a balance into the boys upbringing and as they matured, it was good to see their ties continue. Doug, Steven, and Robert lost a brother, a confidant, a friend. Please be rest assured that his stories do live on within our family and friends.
Mark told me about the “I love you More/Most” one evening…” I call you Mom, but she’s my Mom and I love her Best”. I wanted you to know.
In my heart always…Dave and Lori…always
Jerry and Crystal Gray says
I have no words for this horrible tragedy, I will miss my hugs that I always received when Mark would sneak up behind me at the local Tavern and hug me tight. and always a hug for Jerry and hand Shake. If we didn’t run into him I would say dang no Mark hug today. 🙁 We has a wonderful soul and will miss him. May you find peace with your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Juicebox says
Markie. My. Head. Boiler. You’d be so happy with the deer. I. Sho shot this year. Love u. N. Missu
Jennifer Benware says
I remember when we reconnected. I drove from Whitefish to see you in Helena. We met in a parking lot, from there we went and spent the day walking around in Helena. We laughed and cracked up at each other. I was so mesmerized by you.
All I wanted to do was never let you go. I held on to you, and the funny thing, you let me be so clingy.
We hated for that day to end.
We ended up taking quite a lot on Facebook and the phone. I would call you on video chat and you always answered me. We laughed so much. We talked about me moving to Helena, I wish I would have made that choice. I wish a lot of things. I do know one thing and that is how much we both loved each other.
I will see you someday my sweet boy, and when I do I will be as clingy, as the first day I met you.
Love you so much Markie, love your auntie.
Maura says
Since I walked through the doors of HHS freshman year you were like a brother. I miss your hugs, your laugh, your mutual love of animals and the Packers and our Irish shenanigans. Love you Marko.