He spent his childhood years in Marshalltown, Iowa, enjoying his many friends and athletics, mainly track and cross-country earning ribbons and medals. He loved playing Little League games on the Iowa Veterans Home ball field where he grew up as his family lived on the grounds. He enjoyed visiting with many of the residents and staff at IVH. He was later afforded a chance to coach for his brother Paul’s team. After graduation from high school in 1976, Mark attended Marshalltown Community College and participated on their tennis team where he earned a State Championship. Mark then attended Cornell College in Mount Vernon for a Bachelor of Arts degree. His main work history was with Tombstone Pizza Company earning awards for top salesperson. Mark moved to Burlington, Iowa and was married in 1987 and from this marriage 2 boys were born, Nicholas Atha and Austin Atha. He was very proud of his sons and loved coaching and teaching them baseball. Mark spent his last few years in Iowa City where he could be close to his beloved Hawkeyes. He would call his mother in Florida daily with Hawkeye news and reports of their schedule and game sto watch. He was a frequent caller to the Des Moines TV station giving his views to the hosts of “Sound Off” via “Larry from Burlington”.

Mark previously lost his father and maternal grandparents.

Surviving relatives are his mother, Barbara Atha in Florida, son Nicholas in Round Lake, Illinois, son Austin in Davenport, Iowa, brother Stuart (Darlene) in Florida, brother Paul (Julia) in Texas. Also are many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins to remember Mark.

Private family services will be held at a later date. Condolences and memorials may be sent to his mother at 1011 Wexford Blvd., Venice, Florida 34293.