Because I left home when Mark was only seven years old, I missed a lot of his growing up. Fortunately I did move back to Riverside and got to know him as an adult and husband and father. He was so happy in those roles and he did a wonderful job that made his family extremely proud of him.
I know that from a young age what he really wanted was a family. He was always happy to play with my daughters and wheni remember he was about 15, he used to pretend that they were his. If he went out with us, he would insist on pushing the stroller and throw his arm around me so people would think we were the parents.
I was out of state and couldn't make it back when he and Mary got married. I know that mom wanted him to wait until until he was 21, which was January 14, 1977 and they wed on January 15th. It was the best thing that he ever did. He Mary were perfect for each other and I know that he was very happy.
He and Mary hosted countless family gatherings, for both the Verweil and Wagner families. He did this with an energy and joy that was humbling to watch. I know that our parents were impressed with how hard he and Mary both worked, the beautiful homes they made, and the lovely children they raised.
It is incomprehensible to me that he is gone so soon.
I would greatly appreciate being able to add to my memories of him and so would dearly love if his friends would share some stories about him.
Pat Neuman
Mark's prettiest sister