With love and cherished memories, our family celebrates the life of Mark Eli Horst, 85, as he entered his deserved rest with the Lord on February 20, 2014 in Albany, Oregon.  Mark died with Ruth by his side in Lydia’s House, an Alzheimer’s care facility.  Mark and Ruth were married for 60 years having four children; Margaret, Eileen, Daniel, and Paul.  Mark also was Grandpa to eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Mark entered the world December 15, 1928 in Falfurrias, Texas, the last of eight children in a Mennonite home, born to Lehman and Alice Horst.  They moved to the beautiful orange groves of Upland Heights, California at the age of three, along with his best friend, Pluto the dog.  At the age of 18, Mark served his country for 4 years by joining the Army’s 82nd Airborne as a paratrooper.  Upon ending his service, Mark began a career with the Santa Fe Railroad as a brakeman and loved trains until he left the earth.  

When Mark gave his life to Jesus, his life changed forever.  Settling in San Bernardino, California, he met and married his beautiful wife in September, 1953, after only 3 months of courting.  Mark and Ruth had the joy of welcoming their four beloved children there.  Then in 1969 he heard the call from his Savior to enter full-time ministry as the director of the San Bernardino Rescue Mission.  Mark dedicated his life to bringing the good news to the men who had lost hope and found new life in Jesus.

With the close of the San Bernardino Mission in 1976, the Lord moved them to Medford, Oregon to the Rescue Mission there where he served until his retirement in 1993.  Mark and Ruth moved to Albany in 1996 to the Mennonite Village where they remained until his death.

Mark took great joy in his beloved bride, his family and friends.  He was happiest when he could spend a month or so vacationing in Montana with a fly rod in his hand and trout in the fry pan.  He had a penchant for Louis L’ Amour novels, desserts of any kind, gospel quartets, and singing hymns.  Many have remarked lovingly of his infectious smile and beautiful amber eyes. 

Ruthie and family would be greatly blessed if you would share your love
with calls, letters, and leave your memories, pictures, and stories on this site.  In lieu of gifts, however, please make a donation in Mark’s memory with the Medford Gospel Mission at http://medfordgospelmission.org.