Mark was born on January 7, 1950, to Folmer and Mildred Weddum. He grew up in the close-knit Danish communities of Kimballton and Elk Horn, Iowa, where he learned enduring life skills and developed a lifelong love for Danish cuisine. During his junior year of high school, his family moved to Atlantic, Iowa, where he graduated with the Class of 1968. Mark pursued higher education at the United States Air Force Academy and later at the University of Iowa, graduating in 1972. That same year, he began a lifelong vocation in education, teaching Special Education at Black Hawk Junior High School from 1972 to 1975, and then at Bettendorf High School, where he dedicated 30 years to serving students before retiring. After a courtship of just three months, Mark married the love of his life, Kathy Ruby, on June 24, 1973. Together they celebrated 52 years of marriage this past year—a testament to their deep devotion and partnership. Mark’s interests were many and joyful. He especially loved skeet and trap shooting with Kathy, cheering on Hawkeye football and basketball—where he proudly declared he “bled Black and Gold”—and gardening, with a special passion for cultivating hybrid daylilies. For many years, Mark and Kathy enjoyed trips to Minnesota, strolling through established gardens, until Huntington’s disease gradually made life skills more challenging. They then found new pleasures in watching movies at the local cinema and dining out, which was always a must. Mark enjoyed all kinds of cuisine, but desserts were his absolute favorite. Mark’s love for teaching and for children extended well beyond the classroom. He poured that same care and encouragement into his nephews, nieces, and the children of close friends, leaving a lasting impact on many young lives. Mark W. Weddum passed away peacefully at his home on December 29, 2025, at the age of 75, following a courageous journey with Huntington’s disease. Mark and his beloved wife, Kathy—his faithful advocate—faced this challenge together with excellence, valor, and unwavering stamina. Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Folmer and Mildred Weddum; a great-niece, infant Noah White; and his in-laws, James and Wilma Ruby, Karen Ruby, and Jeff Ruby. Left to celebrate and honor his legacy are his wife, Kathy Weddum; sister, LeAnn (Ernie) Hawthorne; brother, Dean (Karen) Weddum; brother-in-law, James (Nancy) Ruby II; nephews, Christopher (Jennifer) Hawthorne, Nathan (Teresa) Weddum, and James (Vanessa) Ruby III; nieces, Kaitlin (Will) Cichy, Molly (Alex) Cerrone, and Catherine (Joel) White; and fourteen great-nieces and great-nephews. Two things Mark would want remembered: • GO HAWKS! • “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you.” — Ephesians 4:32

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Full Obituary and online condolences may be shared with the family at www.mcginnis-chambers.com