Mark Verdoorn

Mark Alan Verdoorn died on January 2nd, 2023, in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Mark was born to Richard and Norma Verdoorn on November 4th,1956, in Winnebago, Minnesota. He grew up in Delevan, Minnesota; with his brothers Jeff and Scott; and his sister Sara. The Verdoorn kids grew up on a potato farm where they worked and would get into all kinds of mischief. In 1980, Mark joined the United States Navy as a nuclear mechanic. He spent 9 years in the Navy, until he separated honorably in 1990. While serving in the Navy, Mark moved to Idaho Falls.

In 1987, Mark met the love of his life, Gaylene Marie Apel, at a local bar. Unaware of how meticulous he was about how he dressed, Gaylene sealed the deal with her best pick up line, "I like your sweater". Five months later, Mark and Gaylene eloped to Elko, Nevada, and later that summer held a second ceremony in Idaho Falls, Idaho. You know how the saying goes, "first time for money, second time for love”.

Mark and Gaylene brought 3 beautiful children into the world, Arie, Ethan, and Madelyn. His kids remember that Mark was the king of dad jokes, both funny and ridiculous. He also loved to seize any possible opportunity to teach his kids about how things worked and why, (no matter how often they rolled their eyes). Mark's greatest joys came from a job he loved, playing carpenter on the family home, and spending time with his family whom he loved more than anything. His greatest frustrations came from being an avid Minnesota Vikings fan.

Mark is survived by his wife, Gaylene Verdoorn; his children, Arie, Ethan, and Madelyn; his brothers Jeffrey Verdoorn and Scott Verdoorn; and his sister Sara (Tim) Boran. He was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Norma Verdoorn.

Friends and family are invited to an Open House Celebration of Life at the Idaho Falls Elks Lodge on Friday, January 6th, 2023 from 4:30-7:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the District 91 Education Foundation earmarked for Mark Verdoorn to be used for STEM programs or to KISU Public Radio.

District 91: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/markverdoorn KISU: https://www.kisu.org/donate

Condolences can be sent online at www.woodfuneralhome.com.