Mark Lionel Epstein

Born in California to Abba (nee Goldberg) and Herman Epstein, Mark moved to Kansas City at the age of 10. As a young man, Mark was especially adventurous and was asked to leave Shawnee Mission East High School in 1969 after riding his motorcycle through the school's gym. He then decided that the U.S. Navy, where he served aboard a submarine, was more deserving of his adventurous nature. Following his Naval service, Mark attended the University of Kansas as an undergraduate and then graduated from the KU School of Medicine in 1980, where he received the KU Endowment Association Scholarship.

A dedicated and skilled surgeon, beloved by his patients, Mark practiced medicine for many years in Kansas City North, dividing his time among Saint Luke's North Hospital, North Kansas City Hospital, and Cushing Hospital in Leavenworth, KS. Mark had a passion for providing excellent surgical care to his patients.

Mark found joy in kayaking, cycling, hiking and sailing on Lake Michigan and Smithville Lake with his wife of 26 years, Ronda Reems. A Christian, he enjoyed studying the Bible and spending time in discipleship with his son Travis. He also enjoyed scuba diving and flying airplanes. But all of that is what Mark did, not who he was. He had a great sense of humor and loved to entertain; he was soft-hearted and apt to cry during movies. He was kind and courteous to everyone he met.

Mark leaves behind a whole world of people who loved him, including his wife Ronda; sons Travis (Miranda) and Michael; grandchildren Mackenzie, Caleb, and Haddie; and siblings Marcia, Harold and Rob.

In lieu of flowers, donations are being requested for the Leelanau Conservancy (www.leelanauconservancy.org/donate/), which supports conserving the land, water, and scenic character of Leelanau County, Michigan. Alternatively, employees of Saint Luke's Hospital are encouraged to send support to the Shirley Elam Employee Excellence Award Fund, (Saint Luke's Giving, Fund # 170020).

A private memorial service will be held to honor Mark's remarkable life.