Mark Edward Klein

Mark Edward Klein, 72, passed away on December 13, 2025, at the Idaho State Veterans Home in Boise, Idaho. He died from pneumonia and early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Mark had been a resident there for four years.

Mark was born on February 23, 1953, to Irene Phillips Klein and Melvin E. Klein in Dallas, Oregon. The family lived for a period of time in Daggett, California, eventually returning to Hood River, Oregon.

Mark was a delightful, adventurous little boy who cultivated the personality of Bugs Bunny and Wylie Coyote. He had four sisters who provided great fun for him: Chris (the late Conrad Nielsen), Annie (Dan Maciak), Katy (Brad Fowler), and Teresa (Robert Shark). His sisters provided him with fun and mischievous opportunities, and the outdoors was his playground. He learned his Catholic faith and prayers from his father. His mother was a wonderful cook and homemaker. Mark adored his mother and admired and respected his father.

Mark graduated from Wy’East High School in Hood River, Oregon, in June 1970.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army from 1971 to 1974. His unit was the 7th Artillery Detail, USAREUR. His service was classified with Top Secret and NATO Secret clearance, as it was attached to special weapons. His assignment was with our allies in Europe during the Vietnam conflict.

Mark completed his tour and returned home with a heavy heart. His remedy was to spend as much time as possible in the great outdoors—hiking the backcountry, smelling the air, feeling the wind, observing animals and scenery, listening to the sounds of nature, and allowing its peace to begin healing some of his wounds.

He was a trained survivalist, an expert rifleman, and an experienced hunter and tracker, bowhunter, and trapper. He enjoyed bushcraft and primitive survival arts. His favorite tools were a recurve bow and wooden arrows. He was learning to knap arrowheads and spear points. His favorite time of year was fall hunting season, when he could join “Shorty” and help guide in the Idaho Bitterroot Mountains.

Mark loved to read and write stories, poetry, and prose, and to contemplate life and God. His artistic nature was fulfilled when he could work with his hands and old tools.

He found his calling as a journeyman carpenter and excelled in all phases of construction, including commercial, residential, remodeling, and restoration. He worked with companies in Oregon, Washington, Nevada, and Idaho and was easily promoted to foreman, manager, superintendent, and project manager. He also ran his own construction company. His reputation kept him busy.

Mark loved his sisters and was proud to see the young adults his nieces and nephews grew into, along with their accomplishments and young families. His favorite times were spent engaged with them—laughing, storytelling, playing games, pulling pranks, teaching, and working together. Teaching and time together meant the most to him. He is lovingly remembered by Justin, and Jessica Cherrington; Heidi and Julie Nielsen; Kathryn, Mario, Tony Quisto; Kristoff Fowler; their wonderful spouses; and all their precious little ones.

Mark met Deborah Pitkin, and they were married on May 23, 2009, in Reno, Nevada. They shared their Catholic faith, similar interests, and the love of their families and friends. Deborah traveled with Mark through his final years with perseverance and love.

Mark’s focus was first on God’s love and mercy, love for his family and friends, and love for his country.

Mark gave much and took little. He gave freely of his time and treasure. He will be remembered for his generous spirit, the love he freely gave, and the forgiveness he sought and asked for himself.

May our memories of Mark be a blessing to us.

May he now rest in the peace and love of Christ.

In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to K-9 Hero’s in Mark’s name: https://projectk9hero.org/pages/donate

A committal service with military honors will be held at 2:00 pm, on Friday, June 5, 2026, at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, 10100 N. Horseshoe Bend Rd. in Boise.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.