Mark was a graduate of Lutheran High School North, St. Louis, MO. He received his undergraduate degree in education from Concordia University, Seward, NE, in 1979. Mark went on to receive his master’s in administration from Washburn University, Topeka, KS, in 1989. He served several Lutheran schools as a teacher and principal with his longest tenure of 18 years in Albuquerque, NM. Mark received the Rocky Mountain District Principal of the Year award and led several National Lutheran School Accreditation teams. Throughout Mark’s teaching career he often served as athletic director and enjoyed coaching every sport. He loved singing, listening to music, and was a participant in the choir at Zion Lutheran Church, Belleville, IL. Mark was an avid golfer, passionate reader, big history buff, and loved watching St. Louis Cardinal baseball. Mark felt blessed during his lifetime and knew that God always took care of him and never abandoned him. He looked forward to a joyous reunion with family, friends, and former students in heaven one day.
He was preceded in death by his father, Arnold Gene von Soosten.
He is survived by his loving wife Carol, nee Pyle, von Soosten; his son, Paul (Leah Ellis) von Soosten; his mother, Helen, nee Wardrip, von Soosten; a sister, Pam (John) Werner; a sister-in-law, Paula (Gary) Schwartz; three nephews, Kyle Werner, Nicholas Werner, and Richard (Jennifer) Schwartz; and dear great-niece and great-nephews.
Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, Belleville, IL, Christ Lutheran Church and School, Albuquerque, NM, or to Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML), St. Louis, MO. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 10 to 11a.m. Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at Zion Lutheran Church, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at Zion Lutheran Church, Belleville, IL, with Pastor Chris Spelbring and Pastor Josh Kintz officiating.