Mark Francis Krotz

Mark Francis Krotz, age 61, died April 8, 2024, in Mesa, Arizona. He was born to Florian and Nina (Hornbaker) Krotz at Salem Hospital, Hillsboro, Kansas on July 30, 1962. After graduating from Hillsboro High School in 1980 he moved to Salina to attend Salina Area Technical College and then to Wichita after accepting a position with KAKE TV. While in school Mark obtained his private and instrument commercial pilot licenses and flight instructor certification. Mark enjoyed sharing his love of flying with family and friends. After obtaining his Airframe and Powerplant certification, Mark worked at Cessna Aircraft. Never a fan of cold weather, he moved to Mesa, Arizona, in 1985, where he went to work for America West Airlines. In 2004 Mark went to work for Motorola Solutions Phoenix Field Service Organization as a System Technologist, providing troubleshooting and upgrade assistance for local, state, and federal communication systems. He earned various certifications through the Electronic Technicians Association International during his time at Motorola. Mark was an avid amateur radio operator, call sign N7MK, and a long-time member of American Radio Relay League the national association for amateur radio. Mark married Laurie Aaland on July 22, 2011, in Mesa, Arizona. He loved animals, especially their dog Cheyenne.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Charles and Stephen. Survivors include his wife, Laurie, of the home, step-children Sarah (Marco Munoz) Haggerty of El Paso, TX, Rebecca (Peter) Graham, Chicago, IL, Elizabeth Froelich (Shea Willard) of Paulding, OH, Zachary (Katie) Peterson of San Tan Valley, AZ, step-grandchildren Tristan, Daniel, Kara, Prudence, and Gemma, sister Kathy (Dick) Carr of Hillsboro, KS, brother Greg (Kelly) Krotz of Newton, KS, nieces Chris (Stephen) Hammer and family, of Augusta, KS, Tammy (Todd) Shanks and family, of Minneapolis, KS, and nephew Tim (Tera) Carr and family of Lawrence, KS, along with numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Memorial contributions can be made in Mark’s memory to the charity of the donor's choice.

Celebrations of Life are being planned in Mesa, AZ, and in Hillsboro, KS on July 6 at 11 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall at the Hillsboro United Methodist Church, 905 East D Street with a light lunch/refreshments.