Leonard (Mark) Markowski, 90
Leonard Joseph (Mark) Markowski went to meet his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Jan. 7, 2023.
An only child, he was born into a doting Polish family in Wilmington, Del., on June 29, 1932. He was an altar boy and honor student in an all-boys catholic High School. His favorite memory of school was having the lead role in the play, “Brother Orchid.”
After spending two years studying Engineering at the University of Delaware, he left college to enlist in the Navy in the wake of the Korean war. Lieutenant Markowski earned the title “Top Gun” while flying off aircraft carriers and leading surveillance operations as a squadron leader. He was proud to serve his country and was a very patriotic American. During his time in the Navy, he met the love of his life, Mary Anne Rissacher, on a blind date. It was love at first sight and soon after they were married on April 25, 1959.
Mark left the military but continued piloting and selling airplanes for Beech Air and Atlantic Aviation. Believing the promise that children are a reward from God, they started a family and went on to have seven children: three beautiful girls — Teri (1), Jodi (3) and Jeannie (7); and four boys — Mike (2), the eldest son, Pete (4) and Paul (5), who were surprise identical twins, and Dan (6) who followed them in the same year. “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.” (Psalm 127:3,5a)
He discovered the beauty of Northern Idaho while flying over the mountains and, in 1971, they packed up their belongings in a station wagon and camper and left the East Coast for a new life. They bought a home on Cherry Hill and raised their kids at 1307 Crestline Drive. Mark received his Associate of Science at North Idaho College and served there as a veteran’s counselor and advertising manager for the college paper. In the ’70s and ’80s, his expertise in writing and photography paid off, as he did freelance work developing his own pictures and submitting articles in National and local publications like the Coeur d’Alene Press. People loved his unique, deep, booming voice, which gave him the opportunity to work as a narrator.
He also used it to cheer on his kids and grandkids in any sport or endeavor they pursued. His voice was a comfort and encouragement to all, and he used it to proclaim that whoever believes in Jesus will receive eternal life. “If you declare with your mouth “Jesus is Lord” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9) After attending a concert by the Christian musician Keith Green, he rediscovered his faith in God and was baptized at the Assembly of God. He was committed to attending church and taught many bible studies. His favorite advice for studying the “Good Book” was to “Read the Red Letters!” Every morning he made coffee for his bride and then faithfully led her in bible reading and prayer for all their children and grandchildren. His watercolor paintings were admired by many, most notably his portrayal of Mother Mary with baby Jesus, which is proudly displayed in their home.
On sunny days, you could find him golfing or reading a book with his wife at the Coeur d’Alene dike between swims. Mark and Mary Anne loved boating on the lake. A favorite summer activity was pulling kids and grandkids behind the boat on water skis or a tube. In the mountains he hunted, camped and rode his motorcycles and four-wheelers with his boys. He organized hunting trips up the Coeur d’Alene River, and they had success harvesting deer, elk and bear. It became an annual family tradition to camp at Lionshead in Priest Lake and up the Coeur d’Alene River, where he practiced his fly fishing. After a day of camping with his family, he delighted us all by playing the harmonica around the campfire. Our favorite song he played and sang was “My lover was a logger.”
In retirement, Mark and Mary Anne escaped the Idaho Winters in their RV to Desert Hot Springs, Calif. He polished his golfing skills working as a course professional at Desert Dunes in Palm Springs, and at home at The Coeur d'Alene Resort. He enjoyed the little things in life like Pepsi, potato chips, ice cream, spaghetti, cheering on the Seahawks, Mariners, Gonzaga Bulldogs and reading the local press. He carried on his Polish heritage with his family by singing the Polish happy birthday song “Sto lat” every year. He sported a signature mustache and was recognized for his thick head of hair.
He’s fondly remembered for his laid back, happy-go-lucky attitude, often humming and exclaiming that he was doing “Super Duper!” He doted on each of his children and grandchildren, giving strong hugs, and endearing names like “toots” for the girls and “sport” for the boys. Physical challenges were met with the same great attitude, and he never complained, even while battling cancer. He was grateful for all his blessings — 55 years spent in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and 64 years married to his wonderful wife. He leaves her behind, as well as seven kids and their families, which include 20 grandkids and 15 great-grand kids and counting! He was truly a Patriarch and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord will award to me on that day.” – 2 Timothy 4:7-8
