Mark Duane Enger, 56 of Helena, Montana passed away on Friday, November 19, 2010 in East Helena with his family by his side. Mark was born to Dale and Charlene Enger August 24, 1954.
Mark graduated from Montana State University in 1985 with a degree in Graphic Design. He married Teresa Keller in 1990. Mark was a hard-worker and was determined to return to the work force after his heart transplant.
He was able to accomplish his goal and returned to the Montana Department of Transportation as a Traffic Designer in October. Mark was also utilizing his graphic design talents working for City Brew Coffee.
He will be remembered for his avid reading, his great ability to hold an educated conversation on politics of the day, as a huge Bobcat fan, and for being a creatively amazing artist. Nearly every family member owns some collection of his favorite music, and a piece of his art. His family came first. He loved his friends. His sense of humor was infectious. He loved spending time in the outdoors. He was a “live and let live” kind of guy, and considered himself environmentally conscious most all of his life. When he was fly-fishing he was in the moment, looking around him and taking in the beauty of his Montana. He was so proud he was a Montanan that his last wish the past few days of his life was only that his family take him “back home” (to Montana).
Mark spent 3 months on a heart transplant list, and four months with an artificial heart at the University of Utah Heart Transplant Center in Salt Lake City. On Thanksgiving five years ago he received the beautiful heart of generous young mother. This gift of life gave Mark five more wonderful years with his most treasured friends and family.
He had an incredible gift of hospitality, and even in his last days he wanted to be sure those around him were comfortable. His family will miss his ability to make family and friends feel loved and as though they were number one in his eyes. All of those who loved him remember him as an amazing son, the best brother and friend, brother-in-law and uncle anyone could ever have. He truly had a sense of what unconditional love was. He said he was “almost pagan,” as his religion was one that he worshipped the good and tried to bring out the that same good in others.
Mark is survived by his wife, Teresa, and son Michael Enger of East Helena, Montana, and his stepson Jeremy (Tessa) Keller of Eugene, Oregon. He is also survived by his father, Dale Enger, brother, Eric (Rose) Enger, and their children, Chantel & Justin, of Billings, Montana; his father and mother-in-law, William (Pat) Murray of Great Falls, sisters and brother-in-laws, Toni (Jim) Abbey of Durango, Colorado; Tami Keller of Clarkston, Washington; Tom (Zandy) Keller, Todd Keller, Traci (Pete) Hronek, and Ty (Lora) Keller all of Great Falls, Montana. He was the favorite uncle of all of his nieces and nephews, Chantel, Justin, TimmieAnn, Johnny, Katie, Samantha, Lindee, Josh, Patrick, Analea, Luke, Jordan, Taylor, Matthew, Allyson and Nicholas. His mother, Charlene, preceded him in death in 2009.
A social gathering sharing remembrances and celebrating the life of Mark will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 23rd at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials in memory of Mark may be sent to Helena Community Credit Union – in care of the Michael Enger College Fund or to the American Heart Association. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
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Bill and Betty Botnen says
It was with great sadness that we learned of Mark’s illness and passing. Mark was a class act guy and will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure to know and call him friend.I will greatly miss talking to him about music. Our prayers are with you at this time of great sorrow.
Connie & Rob Cutler says
So sorry to hear about Mark. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Donna Hofferber/Laura Hennings says
Mike I am so sorry to hear about your loss. If you ever need anything or want to talk just come over or give me a call.
Frank Kromkowski says
Dear Teresa:
My deepest sympathy to you and all your family on Mark’s death. May you have the blessings of strength and love to help you during this difficult time.
~ Frank Kromkowski
Gwyn Gregor says
Teresa and family, I’m sorry to hear about the loss of Mark. I worked with him at DOT. He was a very kind man and will be missed greatly. God Bless you and your family.
Jay T. Andrew says
My deepest sympathies go to Mark’s family. It was a great pleasure to know and work with Mark at the DOT. I just know he is now smiling knowing that the Bobcats beat the Griz……miss ya Mark…..Go Cats!
Jim & Jackie says
Teresa, Jeremy & Michael,
We are so sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. What a great man he was, always so caring & concerned about everyone. He will be missed by us. May he rest in peace and may you all find comfort in your family & friends. We love you all. Jim & Jackie
Kathleen Sullivan says
Teresa, Michael and family:
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Pamela Aldridge says
Teresa and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you. I was so excited to have Mark back on my crew at MDT. He was always so upbeat and cheerful. One of the last days that he was at work, he and I went down to Butte to do a signing inventory and you could just tell how happy he was to be back at work. Even when I talked to him from the hospital his concern was that he needed to get back to work, he had things to do. He will really be missed. And I will treasure that last field trip that I got to take with him.
Quentin Johnson says
Please accept my condolences. I did not know Mark, but I know Pete and Traci and the family, and how much Traci thought of Mark. I am sure that he will be deeply missed, and you have my sincere sympathy.
Quentin Johnson
Ray Gill says
I am so glad to have worked with Mark. What a wonderful man. I just talked with him on Oct 29th and we planed to go to lunch with another friend soon. I am very sad that we have lost him. My prayers are with you all.
Steve, Laura, Alyssa, Dylan Myhre says
We are so sorry to hear that Mark passed away. We are so glad we had the opportunity to get to know him over the years. We always loved & looked forward to seeing him & getting a chance to sit & visit with him. What a joy it was to see his smiling face! He was such a pleasant person to be around. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. With much sympathy, love & prayers, Steve, Laura, Alyssa & Dylan
Sue (Parrett) and Terry Kramer says
We were so sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. He was such a down-to-earth good guy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you – take care!
The Wetherelt Family says
It was a pleasure to get to know Mark and Teresa since our twins Hunter and Tia were in school with Michael. I also knew Mark because we worked at MDT.
May God bless your family with comfort, strength and peace during this difficult time.
Prayers and hugs,
Dori Wetherelt and family
Wanda & Jerry Anderson says
We are profoundly sad for the loss of our friend Mark. We will miss his incredible sense of humor and wit, the music he so generously shared, and, attending music events with him was the best. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family. We will continue to play Mark’s music and we will play it loud…….
Thayna says
The Concordia Lutheran Church Men’s Club will once again be selling Christmas trees and wrehats this year. The tree lot is located at the Church-School, 4245 Lake Avenue. Christmas tree sales will begin on Friday, November 23rd. The lot will be open 12:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily, except Saturday mornings, when it opens at 9:00 a.m. The proceeds from this fund raiser are used to support various projects and functions of the Concordia Church and school. A selection can be made from Scotch Pine, White Pine, Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir, and Blue Spruce. These trees were just cut a couple of weeks ago. Please come see how fresh they are. Decorated and undecorated wrehats are also available. Your patronage would be greatly appreciated.