In Memory

Mark Wonderlin

Mark Wonderlin

Mark Austin Wonderlin, 66, died Tuesday, August 2, 2016, from bladder cancer. He was born May 3, 1950, in Des Moines, son of Frederick Marcellus & Anne Virginia (Margerum) Wonderlin. He was named after his dad, but his siblings said he was named after a mark on the wall. He attended Hubbell grade school for kindergarten, St. Augustin's Catholic School, and Dowling Catholic High School, graduating in 1968.
Mark graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in sociology in 1972, and on graduation day, he received his draft notice. He then joined the Iowa National Guard as a photographer.
Unable to find employment as a social worker, Mark entered the insurance field. He worked first for American Republic (later Provident Life & Accident) in Des Moines; Chattanooga, Tennessee; and Minneapolis. After moving back to Des Moines, he worked for Bankers Life Company (now Principal), holding various positions in marketing, sales support, and new product development for 28 years. In 2009, he joined Farm Bureau Financial Services.
While working on a brochure at Bankers Life about retirement plans services, Mark met Ellen Hanusa, the love of his life, and they married on April 23, 1988. Together they enjoyed a good movie; traveling, especially family vacations; and continuing to remake their house. Mark considered their four children the "best thing we ever did."
Mark's interests included running, Iowa Hawkeyes football and basketball, music, reading, and having a beer whenever possible. He was known for his quick wit, his unusual laugh, and liking to have a good time. He had a wonderful life.
Mark is survived by his wife, Ellen; daughter Laura (Andrew Jones) of Kansas City, Missouri, daughters Jennie and Amy, and son Benjamin, all of Des Moines; brothers Richard (Carol) Wonderlin of Ankeny and Thomas Wonderlin (Connie White) of Des Moines; parents-in-law George & Janet Hanusa of Windsor Heights; sister-in-law Julie Hanusa (Greg Pollack) of Chicago, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Sue Martin, and nephew Joshua Martin.
Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Theresa Catholic School, the DMARC Food Pantry, or charity of choice.