Please Feel Free To Leave A Comment Or A Memory You Had With Mark~
Mark, 53, passed away Tuesday, May 6, 2014, at his home in Santa Maria. As the youngest of five children, Mark was always "the thoughtful one." He loved his family - they were the parts of his life that were the brightest. Mark graduated from Arroyo Grande High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served six years as a Naval Corpsman, mostly on the Island of Guam. In 1989, while stationed at the Oakland Naval Hospital, the city was devastated by a 6.9 earthquake. Mark led a team that saved many from the collapsed section of I 880. Mark was recognized for his bravery and heroism by Gov. George Deukmejian and President George Bush. Mark loved to cook. What started out as a hobby or maybe just a necessity, became a passion, which led to a career. Self taught, Mark worked at several Central Coast restaurants over the last 20 years. He enjoyed the environment and loved his customers, but his greatest joy was cooking for family. The kitchen was Mark's domain. Mark is survived by his mother, Betty Lorenz; brother Scott Oliver; sisters Brenda Ballew and Gabrielle Canale; daughter April Katherman; and grandsons Josh and Jason Katherman. He was preceded in death by his sisters Susan and Karen. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.,m. Sunday, May 25, 2014, at the First United Methodist Church, 250 N. Halcyon in Arroyo Grande. Join us and share a fond memory of Mark. -