Mark Randall Mehrhoff

He was the most loving father, grandfather, brother, and friend throughout his life here on earth. The family finds comfort in the words of Psalm 23:6: "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Mark was born January 18, 1949 in Ida Grove, Iowa. He grew up in Odebolt, Iowa, the son of Francis and Dalia (Monty) Mehrhoff, graduating from Odebolt High School in 1967. Following graduation, Mark attended the University of Northern Iowa for three years. When his draft number neared (#52), he decided to take a break from college and enlist in the Army. After Basic Training, AIT, and NCO Academy, Mark went on to Vietnam as a Scout for a unit under the 1st Cavalry Division. Once back stateside, he completed his schooling at UNI with a degree in Accounting. He loved working with numbers, so his career in both accounting and auditing was a good fit for him. Over the years, his journey took him to Colorado, Minnesota, the warmer climates of Arizona, Tennessee, and then back to Iowa where he spent his last years. Mark always held on to his pride for our troops, wearing his 1st Cav Vietnam Veteran hat most every place he went. If he saw another vet, you would see him shake their hand, thank them for their service, and welcome them home.

Mark found joy in life’s simple blessings - traveling, reading, watching movies, old westerns, learning new things (like big and interesting words), sharing and finding new ‘dad jokes’, hunting, fishing, and above all, being with his family. His life was firmly rooted in three guiding principles: God, Family, and Country. He faithfully led his children by example, bringing them to church when they were growing up and showing them the joy, peace, and purpose that come from loving and living for Jesus.

As his children were growing up, Mark could always be found cheering from the sidelines or helping out at their activities. Whether it was sitting in a hot sauna fully dressed in sweats the night before a big wrestling match, bringing a van full of singing girls to AWANA every week, cheering loud at tennis and track meets; he was there offering his unwavering love, support, and advice. He loved doing the same for his grandchildren as well.

Mark lived his life guided by a profound belief in integrity, accountability, strength, and positivity. His fierce independence never wavered; despite declining health, he maintained these principles daily and outlasted his medical prognosis by over a year. His faith, devotion, easy humor, and steadfast example shaped the lives of those he loved and will continue to do so for generations to come.

Mark was preceded in death by his father, Francis, his mother, Dalia, his younger brother, Rex, and his youngest brother, Jay.

Those left to cherish his memory include his two children and two stepchildren: Greg (Katy) Mehrhoff of Granger, IA, Lisa (Neal) Schau of Pella, IA, Troy (Anne) Polikowsky of Cleveland, TN, and Renee Polikowsky of Burnsville, MN; his dozen grandchildren: Alexandra, Greyson, Aurora, Milo, Stevie, Carsten, Adam, Isaac, Nissa, Grace, Oliver, and Evelyn; his siblings: Patrick (Christa) Mehrhoff of Chisago City, MN; Peggy Billings of Vinton, IA; Yvette, wife of brother Jay of Chicago, IL; and Kay Nelson of Glendale, AZ. Also former wife, Patricia Mehrhoff of Cleveland, TN; and former wife/mother of his children, Joyce Adams of Granger, IA. Other survivors include nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Burial services will be held on Monday, August 10th, at 9:30 am at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, Iowa. A reception will follow at the American Legion venue in nearby Van Meter, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorials to the family to be designated at a later date.