Mark Michael Kirschenmann Obituary (1947 - 2025)

Born Feb 15, 1947, Mark Michael Kirschenmann attended Eisenhower High School in Yakima, WA. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Mark Michael Kirschenmann.

Graduation Year	Class of 1965
Date of Birth	Feb 15, 1947
Date of Passing	Feb 19, 2025
About	It is with profound sadness that we announce the untimely passing of Mark Michael Kirschenmann. He passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital, following complications from cardiac events. Mark was born February 15, 1947 in Yakima, Washington to Attorney Arthur W. Kirschenmann and Elementary Teacher Susan P. (Tidland) Kirschenmann. He is survived by his loving lotus blossom, Antoniette 'Toni' (Ibach) Kirschenmann of Yakima, they were married June 12, 1976, his stubborn daughter, Sydney (Andy) Petyo of Chico, Ca, and favorite son, Adam (Stacy) Kirschenmann of Yakima. He leaves a silly and joyous legacy with his four hilarious and talkative grandchildren, Trenton and Verona Petyo of Chico, Ailie and Berlin Kirschenmann of Yakima. He is also survived by his cousin, Carolyn Kuhr, and her sons, David and John Keil, sister-in-law Judi (Ibach) Fairbanks, brother-in-law Jack Ibach and nephew and nieces, Ben Fairbanks, Sarah Falcon, and Rachel Fairbanks, and Erin and Leslie Ibach and their families. He is also survived by numerous grand-pets, whom he kindly put up with. He was preceded in death by his parents Art and Sue, grandparents, Ben and Martha (Ford) Tidland, Jacob and Katharine (Bender) Kirschenmann, sister-in-law Laura Ibach and brother-in-law Randy Fairbanks. Mark received his schooling from Gilbert elementary, Franklin Jr High, and graduated in 1965 from Eisenhower High School, all in Yakima, Wa. He attended Yakima Valley College, Central Washington University, and the University of Washington, remaining a faithful Husky every day, all his life. GO DAWGS! Mark voluntarily joined the U.S. Army in March 1968, and spent 18 months overseas in Vietnam and Okinawa as a Medical Specialist. He received the National Defense Service Medal for his time serving during the Vietnam War. He will be buried with Military Honors. Mark embodied the title of Renaissance Man: In his younger days he was an avid tennis and softball athlete, was on Ski Patrol at White Pass, and a wildland firefighter. His interests grew and varied to include Deep-Sea Fishing in the Pacific Ocean, fly fishing throughout the many beautiful rivers of Washington, Alaska, Montana, and beyond, crabbing the Puget Sound, duck hunting and fishing with Adam throughout the Yakima Valley and Rimrock Lake while sharing laughs together, attending live theatre shows, symphonies, and travelling the world with the love of his life, Toni. He was incredibly well-read, and would have lively debates with Sydney about current events. He enjoyed scotch, preferably cheap and nasty, but had a palate for the finer whiskies. He preferred wild-caught salmon and a rare cooked steak, and tolerated vegetables. What brought joy to Mark most was spending time with his family. Whether at the family cabin, fishing, camping, at the coast flying kites or at his children and grandchildren's sporting events. He was thoroughly entertained to be sitting back, and watching everyone interact and have fun. He retired from Yakima County Juvenile Court in 2009 after 37 years. It was here in 1973 where he met Toni, had many colleagues become life-long friends, and committed himself to helping the youth of the Yakima Valley as a Probation Officer. Mark spent his retirement years travelling, reading, playing pinochle and going out to dinner with friends, and spending time with Toni, his grandchildren, whom he affectionately referred to as grand-urchins, and doing whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted. What a dream! Mark's family would like to thank the members of the Yakima Fire and Police Departments and the Emergency Room staff at MultiCare Yakima Memorial for their quick actions and knowledge in caring for Mark. Additionally, Dr. Lane and RNs Jacob and Jaycee at MultiCare Tacoma General for their kindness, understanding, and unwavering care of our family. Thank you so much to all of our family and friends for your love and support that has made this difficult time easier to bear. Words can't express how grateful we are to have you in our lives, near and far. A service will take place Monday, March 10th, 10:00 am at Holy Family Catholic Church in Yakima. Hawaiian shirts and sandals with socks, or fun/crazy socks are encouraged to honor Mark's unique style.