My Dear Brother Mark
Posted by Matt Schmitz (+399) 14 years ago
My dear brother Mark lost his 2 year battle with cancer last evening. He was as fine a man as I have ever known. His kindness, compassion, and infectious smile will be missed forever. My family is grateful that his suffering has ended, but we are all feeling a sense of profound sadness that appears to have no end. We know that Mark and his dear Sherri are finally sharing a kiss that they waited 2 years for, and dancing together like no one is watching. I am grateful for every minute that Mark was in my life, as he was the best little brother a guy could ever ask for. Until we meet again, I love you Marky.
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Posted by David Schott (+18742) 14 years ago
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Posted by Richard Bonine, Jr (+15535) 14 years ago
Matt: I am sorry to hear about your loss.
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Posted by Bart Freese (+935) 14 years ago
Mark was a great guy. I just left Jim a note on his Facebook page, and I'll say basically the same thing here. Mark and I would only run into each other a couple times a year, but it was always great talking with him. He was such a nice and funny guy. Too young.
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Posted by Brian A. Reed (+6126) 14 years ago
He feels no pain, Matt. Your brother would be proud of your tribute to him. I'm sorry to hear of your loss.
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Posted by Wendy Wilson (+6174) 14 years ago
I'm so sorry to hear about Mark. Prayers for all.

[This message has been edited by Wendy Wilson (8/7/2009)]
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Posted by kent koester (+286) 14 years ago
My prayers are with you. Mark and Sherri were great people and I'm a better person for knowing them. I worked with Sherri at Kmart and I visted often with Mark at the short stop. God Bless. You are both in a better place
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Posted by Chris Choate Raible (+43) 14 years ago
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Mark was such a nice guy and I have lots of fun memories of coming into the Short Stop and chatting with him, as well as your other family members too.

Fondly,
Chris Choate
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Posted by Bob Netherton (+1890) 14 years ago
Sorry to hear that, Matt. Sounds like he put up a hell of a fight.
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Posted by mtgman (+91) 14 years ago
The world could use more people like mark,He was a kind man.RIP
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Posted by Stone (+1594) 14 years ago
Very sad, he was a kind man whom I got to know when he worked for the school district. His last few years were very tragic.

Matt I am very sorry for your loss.

Brady Stone
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Posted by Kacey (+3157) 14 years ago
My deepest sympathies to all.

[This message has been edited by Kacey (8/7/2009)]
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Posted by Dana Jablinske (+94) 14 years ago
So sorry for your loss. Mark was such a funny guy. I will always remember his smile. He was never too busy to stop and chat with everyone he encountered!

We will all miss you Mark. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Schmitz family
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Posted by hilinetransplant (+127) 14 years ago
Matt, so sorry to hear of marks passing, my older brother jeff passed away last december and i know losing a brother before thier time is not easy. I remember when we were younger a group of us families including yours would go snowmobiling at a place called bear lodge, the gunthers, you guys and a few others and we would have a blast. I played baseball with jim and always would visit with mark at the short stop. Again, my thouhts are with your family.


scott hillier
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Posted by julieinmc (+515) 14 years ago
Mark had a heart as big as Montana. Whenever my boys got their pictures in the paper he would save a couple copies to give to them when they came into the Short Stop for an ice cream or candy bar. He is truly going to be missed.
My deepest sympathy to you and your family, Matt, and a big hug to Jared.

Julie Mahler
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Posted by Destiny Hardy Carlson (+14) 14 years ago
Loved working with him at The Short Stop!!! GOOD TIMES!!!
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Posted by Hal Neumann (+10369) 14 years ago
Matt,

I'm darned sorry to hear of Mark's passing. I didn't know him well, but he sure seemed like a good man.
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Posted by Ken Minow (+373) 14 years ago
My most sincere condolences go out to Mark's family and friends.A special thought goes out to Jim Walker,who last year lost his only sister and now one of his best friends.
Godspeed my friend.
Ken Minow
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Posted by Mike Zier (+142) 14 years ago
Matt,

I'm very sorry to hear this news. I know words in a chat room can't even come close to helping ease your pain. Your brother left a profound effect on my life growing up in Miles City. I bet I was in the SS atleast 15 times a week for 4 years. I would always run some idea's or stories by Mark (and Terri and Dan too) and he would always take the time to listen and provide feedback. That my friend's is the mark of a great man. Here I am some kid buying a Dr. Pepper and some Jerky...to take the time. To take the time...

Very sad that his time ended early. I would say that he got more out of his time then most 80-90 year olds.

Very sorry for you and your family

M.Zier
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Posted by Just Me (+748) 14 years ago
Mike - Mark was very blessed to have you in his life. What an honoring, love-filled treasure you shared with all of us for Mark.

God Bless your whole family - You truly touched my heart.
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Posted by Steve Craddock (+2741) 14 years ago
Matt - Please accept my sympathy for a brother lost far too soon.

I saw Mark's name stencilled on the wall of Discovery Pond with other memorials. It and your words are wonderful tributes to someone who was obviously a wonderful person. I'm sorry I didn't have a chance to meet him.
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Posted by Chris Peterson (+158) 14 years ago
If somebody is attending this gathering for our friend Mark and has no place stay, I have 2 double beds available. So if you or you know of someone who could take me up on this, call Chris at 406-851-1266 any time.
I am blessed to have known Mark, as well as his whole family. He never really wanted to be a leader. But he was. He lead by example, through the way he lead his own life, shined bright like a beacon to any one looking. I will never forget his smile; a family smile, really. It is one so sincere, you can see the sparkle in their eyes. You feel it in your heart, like a welcome home hug.
Good bye my friend.
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Posted by Chuck Schott (+1282) 14 years ago
If a brother's love and feelings of loss are any indication of a man's worth than Mark must have been a very worthy man. Sorry for your loss, I'm sure he'll be looking in on you often.
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Posted by Bruce Helland (+596) 14 years ago
Just returned to town and heard of Mark's passing... My thoughts are with all of you. One of the finest people I've ever met.
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Posted by Tammy (+79) 14 years ago
So Sorry Matt, My heart goes out to you and your whole family. With Thoughts and Prayers,
Tammy Brennr (Walterson)
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Posted by Carol (+141) 14 years ago
Sorry to hear about Mark.
I met Mark and Sherri when I started working at Riggs. When I would take my break I would walk over to the Short Stop. Have a quick chat with Mark then back to work. I would get back to Riggs and Sherri would ask me if I saw her hansome husband. They had most true love I've ever seen.
They will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace.
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Posted by gypsykim (+1553) 14 years ago
It is a rare and genuine person who can make you laugh at yourself and never at the expense of someone else. Mark was a good friend and I am a better person for having known him. My sincere sympathy to all of you as you mourn for your brother and son. You are all in my prayers.
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Posted by Jim Howe (+1621) 14 years ago
Mark had a way of making you feel as if you were art of his family. All of you are like that. So very sorry for your loss. And all of us have lost a" brother".
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Posted by Tanna Bloxom Martin (+17) 14 years ago
I am so sorry Matt. Always know if you need a shoulder or someone to listen I am always here for you. Just give me a call anytime. Mark was (is) a beautiful man and will be missed greatly. My trips home won't be the same.
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Posted by JeanJones (+316) 14 years ago
Mark was a one of a kind. I worked with him at the School District and had many conversations with deep meaning with Mark. God Bless you all.

Jim and Jean Jones

[This message has been edited by JeanJones (8/11/2009)]
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Posted by Debbie Koehler-Jurad (+20) 14 years ago
Matt & Family, I was so saddened to hear Mark passed away although I had heard that he was suffering for so long. My sincere sympathies & prayers to all of your wonderful family. I have lost 2 family members from cancer and they were both long good-byes. My grief somewhat lessened by the fact that there were no more horrible tests to endure in heaven, only a beautiful after-life. I didn't personally know Mark but he did graduate with my brother Bob, Jr. whom we lost in 2007. Please know you are in my heart. Debbie Koehler-Jurad
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Posted by Matt Schmitz (+399) 14 years ago
I don't know the words to express my sincere thanks to you all for your kind words and heartfelt sentiments regarding the passing of my brother Mark. The outpouring of kind deeds and words directed towards my family will never be forgotten. Your thoughts and prayers will be forever close to my heart. You are all very kind people, and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. May God bless you all.
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Posted by David Harasymczuk (+35) 14 years ago
Hey Matt,
Sorry to read about Mark. I remember him have one helluva sense of humor and he was a genuine good guy. Please give my best to your family.
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