Ananta Mark Chotimongkol

CHOTIMONGKOL, ANANTA "MARK", "CHOTI", 52, beloved husband, devoted father, and dedicated Assistant District Attorney for Sedgwick County, passed away on September 9, 2025, with his loving wife by his side.

Mark was born on November 3, 1972, in New York, NY, to Dr. Anupong Chotimongkol and Punnee Kitipadoong. At the age of four, his family moved to Dodge City, Kansas, where he grew up, built lifelong friendships, and graduated from Dodge City High School in 1991. He carried a deep love for Kansas throughout his life, a pride that was especially strong when it came to KU basketball. Long before becoming a Jayhawk, Mark was a fan, but it wasn’t until camping out for tickets at Allen Fieldhouse and joining in the traditions of student life that his passion grew even deeper.

From 1996 to 2000, Mark attended the University of Kansas School of Law, where he also served as a graduate assistant. During his time at KU, he helped form the Asian American Student Union, a group that sought to celebrate and amplify the voices and contributions of Asian Americans on campus and beyond. He spent a brief time in Washington, D.C., in 1998 and lived in Bangkok, Thailand, in 1999. Though he loved exploring the world, his heart led him back to Kansas, where he began his career with the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office in 2000. Over the next 25 years, he worked tirelessly in the pursuit of justice, always guided by integrity, compassion, and the friendships he built with colleagues who became like family.

In 2014, Mark met the love of his life, Gennevieve “Vy” Pham. The two were married on October 29, 2016, and together they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Of all the roles Mark held, his most cherished was that of father. On August 17, 2020, he proudly welcomed his son Ethan into the world, and on June 3, 2023, he was overjoyed to welcome his daughter Emmie. His children were his greatest pride, his deepest joy, and the very center of his world.

Mark found so much happiness in sharing his passions with Ethan and Emmie. He loved his 80s and 90s music, often singing and dancing with them, filling their home with laughter and rhythm. Nighttime book reading and bubble baths were treasured routines, where his children found comfort in his presence and joy in his voice. Ethan especially loved building zoos with his dad, a special tradition of imagination and teamwork that created memories both of them cherished.

Mark’s spirit was full of life and color. He was a true social butterfly, able to strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere—even about preschools before they had children of their own. He was witty, sharp, hilarious, and known for his bright smile and corny jokes. Friends remember him as a “Trivia Animal,” dominating trivia nights on land and even at sea during cruises with Vy. He was also a lover of karaoke, world travel, and movies—especially anything Star Wars or Star Trek. He never tired of debating the two with his brother, Watson. A talented artist, Mark had a gift for drawing comic book-style art, and he loved hosting legendary Halloween parties, preparing the best turkey and stuffing at Thanksgiving, and creating memories with those he loved most.

Above all, Mark was guided by a love of family, a devotion to justice, and a heart for people. He believed in doing the right thing, and he poured that belief into both his work and his relationships. His presence was magnetic, his humor infectious, and his kindness unwavering.

Mark is survived by his loving wife, Gennevieve “Vy” Pham; his pride and joys, Ethan and Emmeline Chotimongkol; his parents, Dr. Anupong Chotimongkol and Punnee Kitipadoong; his brother, Watson and Tanisara Chotimongkol; his niece Wyatt Chotimongkol; his in-laws, Khiem and Yên Pham; Kathie Pham and Cong Nguyen; and his nephew, Harry Nguyen and his beloved dog Bulgogi Chotimongkol.

There will be a visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025 at Heritage Funeral Home, 502 W. Central Ave. in Andover. On September 30, 2025 at 10:00 there will be a Buddhist Prayer Service followed by Eulogy's and fellowship. These will both take place at Lakeview Cemetery, 12100 E 13th St N, Wichita, KS.

Mark’s life was a testament to love, laughter, and purpose. Though his time here ended too soon, his legacy will live on through his family, his work, and the countless lives he touched along the way. He will be deeply missed, but his light will continue to shine in the memories and hearts of all who knew him.

There will be a visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025, at Heritage Funeral Home, 502 W. Central Ave. in Andover.

On September 30, 2025 at 10:00 a.m., there will be a Buddhist Prayer Service followed by Eulogy's and fellowship. These will both take place at Lakeview Cemetery, 12100 E. 13th Street N., Wichita, Kansas. At 12:30 p.m., we will proceed out to the cemetery where Mark will be laid to rest.