Mark Unruh

Mark Robert Unruh, 58

It is with bittersweet sadness we announce our beloved Mark unexpectedly went to Heaven on May 8, 2019. He is now free from pain in the arms of Jesus Christ our Savior.

Mark was a Coeur d’Alene native. He was born to Robert and Sharon Unruh on Nov. 9, 1960. He graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1979, where he wrestled and played football until he broke his leg pole vaulting. Mark was fearless and participated in many sports activities.

Mark was a kind and gentle person who collected friends as he walked through life; some have been friends for 40-50 years. He was funny, intelligent and talented. He enjoyed jobs where he could be with people.

At Pizza Hut he quickly advanced to manager. He worked at Cenex Co-op where he earned certifications in weed control and agriculture. He knew the answer to many questions. Mark also enjoyed working at Whites Boots, where he was recognized as one of their best salesmen. Mark was a talented tyer of fishing flies. Fly shops in Coeur d’Alene and Montana ordered his flies until his arthritic fingers ended that. He told of how the shops would call him every week and order “600 flies by Friday!”

Mark owned his own business, Lynx Investigations Service, where he worked with attorneys serving papers and investigation. He worked as a security guard. He was knowledgeable about various firearms and was a marksman. He enjoyed shooting targets with friends and family no matter the weather. Mark was an outdoorsman. He never missed an opportunity to be fishing or hunting. He was a good photographer and took pictures of God’s beautiful creation. Mark liked picking huckleberries in his special patch for a few pancakes each year.

He had many outdoor adventures. Even on horseback chasing cattle from the mountains to the ranch, riding his 4-wheeler around the woods, or on his little pontoon boat rafting and fishing. Mark wrote stories for outdoor magazines and contributed to the monthly newsletter at the Co-op. Mark enjoyed artwork and even took lessons from a French artist. Some of his favorite subjects were old barns, life in the 1940s, trains and, of course, fish. Mark had a wit and sense of humor that could keep you laughing and enjoying being with him. He enjoyed Patrick McManus books. He never missed an opportunity to be at family gatherings, there were many with his large family. Always a birthday or a meal to celebrate someone.

Mark had a kitty, “Baxter” — his buddy for 20 years! The cat would follow him around and even understood him. Mark listened to country music.

Mark had compassion for the downtrodden and always a good word from the Bible. He was a disciple and invited many he met to believe in Jesus, who could save you from hell. John 3:16 was one of his favorite scriptures. Mark accepted the Lord at 7 years old. At times Mark was a cameraman for Real Life Ministries. He faithfully attended Sunday services and then lunch with dad and mom and sister. He enjoyed his Friday evening home group and the men’s fellowship gatherings. Whenever his health was mentioned he would say, “One day I will be in Heaven — how could that be bad?”

Everyone recognized Mark by his boots and cowboy hat. He will be missed by everyone he knew, and especially his family.

He is survived by his parents, Robert and Sharon Unruh, Nancy (Gary) Box, Pamela (Charlie) Robinson, Laura (Brock) Box, Sherry Besich, uncles, numerous nephews, nieces and children. We will one day join Mark in the family circle at the throne of Jesus.

Please join us to celebrate Mark’s life at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 2, 2019 Real Life Ministries #1, 1860 N. Cecil Road, Post Falls, Idaho. Bring your favorite potluck dish.