Mark Walter Naasz

Obituary Mark Walter Naasz 07/24/1956 -05/24/2021 Mark Walter Naasz passed away peacefully at home on May 24th, 2021 after a long hard battle of multiple types of cancer. Mark was the fourth of seven children, born to Walter and Ione (Vilhauer) Naasz. He grew up in Mobridge, SD, with his younger brother Dan as his constant companion. His cousins Dean, Mitch, Steve and Darvin Vilhauer lived nearby and they all enjoyed spending time together at their Uncle Ernest Vilhauer's farm .He attended First Baptist Church in Mobridge, and was baptized when he was a teenager, he continued his days at the First Baptist Church in Worland, WY. Mark began working at the Texaco service station that was owned by Ervin Quenzer while he was in high school and continued until he left for college. Ervin had high expectations and Mark worked hard to meet them, earning the respect of the sometimes-gruff German. They formed a friendship that lasted for the rest of Ervin's life. Mark remembered him fondly and told the story of Ervin sending a Christmas card every year that always included a gift of money. Mark attended Northern State College in Aberdeen, SD and graduated with a degree in Business Management. He followed his older brother Jim into a position with the Pamida retail company, and accepted his first store assignment to Williston, ND. It was there that he met the girl who stole his heart, Kathy Woodhams. They were married in Williston, ND in 1977. They welcomed their first-born child, Mark Naasz Jr. in 1980 and their second born child, Amy (Naasz) Tiegs in 1983. Mark and Kathy spent several years being transferred around with Pamida before finding their forever home in Worland, WY in 1987. Worland was the perfect location for Mark, with the Bighorn Mountains only 30 miles away. He and Kathy hunted elk each year and spent many hours exploring the trails on four wheelers with Mark Jr. and Amy. Mark was overjoyed with the birth of his first grandson, Coddie. Later welcoming his first granddaughter, Kiara and quickly followed by his second grandson, Bryce, then welcoming another granddaughter, Kendra, and finally welcoming his youngest granddaughter, Brooklynn. A few years went by and Mark gained 2 bonus granddaughters, Allison and Makena. Mark's grandchildren brought him such joy and kept him on his toes. Coddie, being the first-born grandchild could not pronounce "grandpa" when he learned how to talk and instead it came out "Gramper". The name Gramper stuck from that day forward and carried on with every grandchild! Mark cherished the name "Gramper" and wore it with such pride. Mark's management skills served him well with the Pamida corporation. He was named Manager of the Year five times, an achievement that no one else ever matched. Mark and Kathy traveled all over with Pamida going to conventions. Mark won cruises and trips through the years and made a tremendous amount of memories with Kathy. Mark once won a trip to Hawaii for a sales contest through Pamida, and though the trip was paid for only 4 people to go, he made arrangements and paid to bring his mother on the trip, a lifetime dream of hers. With the end of his career with Pamida, Mark worked in the oil industry for a short time before he chose to take on the management position at the Bighorn Coop in Worland. He truly enjoyed his work and made many new friends through the Coop. He continued working through all the years and up until the last 4 months of his battle with cancer. Mark was a true warrior. Mark loved nothing more than his family but hunting and fishing were close behind. Some of his favorite times in life were the pheasant hunts and the fishing trips he participated in with his brothers, his son, nieces, and nephews. He shared his most memorable trip with his son, Mark Jr. in 2017 when they embarked on the hunt for a Bighorn Sheep and the hunt resulted in a trophy mount that was displayed in his office. He shared his love of the outdoors with his children and grandchildren as often as he could. Mark loved gathering with family, both his own and Kathy's. Friends were always included, and his joy filled whatever room he was in, along with his contagious laughter. He greeted his family with giant hugs, and never let them leave without saying he loved them. Mark is survived by his loving wife, Kathy Naasz, his children; Mark Naasz Jr. and Amy (Vern) Tiegs of Worland, brothers; Jim (Julie) Naasz of Bemidji, MN, Dan (Georgia) Naasz of Billings, MT, Tom (Janet) Naasz of Hot Springs, SD, sisters; Becky (Gary) Fischer of Aberdeen, SD, Michelle (Wayne) Sandmeir of Glenham, SD, and 7 grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his sister Linda Keller. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday June 5, 2021 at the CrossPoint Baptist church with Pastor John Burns officiating. A memorial fund has been set up to help offset the cost of Mark's medical and funeral expenses. Donations may be written out to the Cancer Battle Benefit and sent to PO Box 524, Worland, WY 82401. Online condolences may be made at www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com