Mark Dieter Blume

Mark was born in Sioux City, IA to Horst and Jutta Blume on September 16, 1975. His love of tennis began with his dad, getting to play at home, the country club, and high school. He attended and graduated from North High School in 1994 and was involved with the tennis team. He went on to attend the University of Iowa and graduated with a degree in business.

He met the love of his life Jennifer in Sioux City, and they were married May 29, 2004. They made their first home in North Liberty, IA. His final home was in Ankeny, IA. He and Jennifer had 3 beautiful children: Payton, Brynn, and Jameson.

Mark's passion throughout his life was tennis. He competed in many local and sectional tennis tournaments as a junior player along with playing high school tennis. His senior year he and his doubles partner got runner-up in state to two of their high school teammates in the Iowa State High School Championships. After college, he began his tennis teaching career at North Dodge Athletic Club in Iowa City, ending his time there as the Head Tennis Professional. He then became the Head Tennis Professional at Elmcrest Country Club in Cedar Rapids, IA. His last position in his professional teaching career was as the Adult Tennis Director at Genesis Health Clubs in Clive, IA. His passion for the game and love of people made it so he never had to work a day in his life. He enjoyed working with all levels and ages, making a difference in lives both on and off the court. He organized and ran numerous junior tournaments and enjoyed his time with all of the players and parents who shared his love of the game. He played and captained numerous USTA Adult Leagues and even played on an 8.0 mixed team that won the USTA national championship. In addition to his on-court duties, he was also involved in the USTA and eventually became the Executive Director for the Iowa District in promoting and developing the game of tennis. He was named the RSPA Iowa Tennis Professional of the Year in 2021 and 2024. For his lifelong work and commitment to the game, he was also inducted into the USTA Iowa Tennis Hall of Fame in 2025.

Through his work as a tennis instructor, he was able to build a close-knit community he knew as a family. Everyone who knew him knew him as a compassionate, loving, positive person who took the time to get to know them. It was a rare occasion that he would go somewhere, anywhere, and not know someone.

Outside of tennis, he was a loving dad. He was proud to share his love of tennis, Lego, and Star Wars with his family. He also enjoyed supporting his kids in their activities.

He passed away on July 24, surrounded by family, from a 2.5-year battle with stage IV lung cancer despite being a non-smoker.

Mark was a kind person who will be missed by many. He is survived by his wife Jen, their 3 children Payton, Brynn, and Jameson; as well as his siblings Gaby Steele, Claudia (John) Hessa, Monica (Mark) Ensminger, and Chris (Ruth) Blume. He also has numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews that he loved. He is also leaving behind many, many friends.

A celebration of life will be held at a later time, and details will be announced.