Mark,

You are and will always be a GREAT GUY and will never be forgotten.
I'm so happy we had the opportunity to spend some time together.


Mel Schneider

Mark, 
We met as children and became like brothers. You, Chris and I could always find ourselves with each other at some point. 
I was shocked when Chris called… So many wonderful memories of our childhood. 
My heart is so saddened.. To your family, I’m truly sorry for  losing such a wonderful man. 
Mark was loved. 

God gained a angel ! 


I first met Mark when he moved across the street in Eagle River AK.  I soon realized we were on “Navy Time”.  Mark was always 10 minutes ahead of me, even if I was 10 minutes early.  He became a caring neighbor but more than that, a best friend.  He was steady as they go and never seemed to have a bad day.  Later after he moved to Las Vegas, we solved many of the world’s problems over the phone.  Mark floating in his pool, me freezing in AK.  I will miss having lunch Mark and learning all about Marconi’s Law and everything radios.  Mark said his Uncle told him, “retire young and retire warm”…..He did just that!

I’ll miss you buddy,
Bruce

How do I put into words all the emotion of losing a brother?  Mark and I are very close in age and, as children we were inseparable.  Life took us in different directions as adults, yet there was always the bond between us.  I remember his visit when we lived in Virginia and I was about to give birth to my first son.  I started having strong contractions while Mark was there and the sight of me in pain tore him up.  The unspoken love of those moments stays with me.  Mark was a strong-minded tough guy with deep emotions.  He was a patriot through and through, always standing up for what he believed.  Strength is a word I see repeated in many of the memories people have written about Mark.  Strength is what I pray for today as we move forward in a world without Mark.

I didn't get to see much of Mark as an adult, but we occasionally communicated. It sure seemed like if he was into something, he was really in it. If I asked how he was doing in Alaska, I'd get 12 pictures: all of Mark, his snowmobile, and a lot of snow. When I asked about Ham radio, I was pretty much  advised it was the greatest thing since sliced bread. (Surprise. An Ettelt with a strong opinion.) That passion must have enriched his life. 
So long, Mark. See ya later. 
  Cousin Mike

Mark once took me with him on a car date to the drive-in and sneaked me in on the back floorboard of his VW Bug to see Blazing Saddles.
Little sister as he always called me, nearly every Sunday on the phone as we shared being NASCAR Fans. 
My brother Mark had a big heart and I am proud to be his sister. My heart knows I will see him again.  Cindy

I remember my cousin Mark mostly from when we were both children and we would visit the family in Cedarville NY. Quieter than his brother Chris ( but then who isn't) with an easy smile that didn't change over the years. We only met a few times as adults, but it was always a pleasure when we did. I will remember his kindness towards others. I wish our paths would have crossed more often. 


Mark was such a caring, and loving person, a one a kind. I wouldn't have gotten to know him if he didn't approach me first to talk at work. One passing conversation lead to deeper conversation. Before I knew it I was buying Radio's from him, and taking notes.  I Recall once, while it was dead at work, he showed up at my desk to show me HAM Radio Websites and explain how to use them.  I was afraid to get in trouble, but he assured me that I would be fine hahaha.  I can only smile when I think back to this moment. What an incredible guy.  Mark you will be missed. I am glad to have had shared a moment in your life. 

My Father, oh what memories we had. These past 2 weeks I have went over every single one of them that I could possibly think of. There was no other father/daughter bond like ours. He was always my hero and protector. I could always come to him with any question or concern and he would give his honest opinion. I was so fortunate to be born into a military family. His work took us all over the United States and overseas. I was his little travel buddy. There wasn’t a place he would go without taking me. My favorite was when I was about 5 years old and he took me fishing. He made sure to have my My Little Pony sleeping bag and my My Little Ponies. He put me in the boat and I played while he fished. The beautiful scenery and fresh air was always apart of our adventures. My favorite family vacations were always driving to Florida to see Uncle Ronnie and Aunt Eleanor and our large family.  On our way he would pick out landmarks or something about that state and explain it to me. I have learned so much from my Father that I can’t put into words. I will closely guard those memories and his love close to my heart.  As I board my flight to go to Nevada to say my final goodbyes, I will think of the wonderful life that my Father did have and that he is now at peace. Until I see you again Daddy ~ Your Baby Girl - Manda

Mark was great at making conversation, we spent quite a bit of time talking about everything from radios to UFO's. Marks sense of humor was awesome and he knew how to make people feel comfortable around him. The world has lost a great man. 

Christina - My deepest condolences to you (your family) and Mark's family. 



Mark came into our lives, and into my mother’s life, at a time when we needed stability, compassion, and patience. And like a tall, strong oak tree, Mark was always that. Mark and I spend long hours in the phone together, where we discussed things we agreed upon, and plenty of things we didn’t; we’d talk about my mom, and how much he loved her; he’d ask about me, and my schooling and my future plans; he’d offer advice and wisdom from a point of view that I didn’t have myself. And despite knowing Mark for 16 years, I think there’s still so much about him that I don’t know. I’ve always imagine Mark as that oak tree, standing tall and always there to talk with and to lean against. I mourn the talks that we would have had, and the talks we maybe should have had. I will remember Mark when I smell gunpowder. I will remember Mark when I feel the desert sun on my face. I will remember Mark when I am at a crossroads, and could use advice. And I will remember Mark when my brother tells a joke and I hear Mark’s silly giggle echo in my head. 
Thank you Mark, for loving my mother, for loving my brother, and for loving me. 

To my cousin Mark. I thank the Lord for blessing me with you. For my entire life you have been a huge part of our family and will forever be loved and missed.  I thank you for being there for me through all the laughters and the tears. You were always there for me at any given time when I had a question, concern or just need some guidance.  I will miss the random text messages of a moose in your yard to a picture of the casinos or just thinking of you.  I’m so Thankful for you I Love and Miss you. Your Cousin Kelly 


I do believe that in the past 40 years,  Mark and I had not gone more than 3 weeks with out talking on the phone. With most conversations being weekly and in many cases, daily. We both knew what was going on in each others lives more than our families. It was Mark, that set the bar for what the definition of a Nephew should be. I must add...There were times that I could have knocked him out but, love always prevailed. This is what made Mark... "MARK" The times that we spent together will be cherished forever. I love you Mark. You will be miss deeply. I am and always was proud to say... you are “My Nephew” and I am “Your Uncle”.   Until we meet again... RIP.  Uncle Ron


Mark, my wonderful son, my angel and rock.  
He was on top of things I needed. I said kiddingly, " I'd like a Costco hot dog", when he came home he says "Mom, your lunch in on the table." Sure enough, it was my hot dog.  He did all the shopping and I'd stay home. He always asked if I needed anything.  One time I said I needed a new bath robe and he said "I can do that".  I just laughed, so I told him what I was looking for, be darned he didn't come home with the perfect robe, and pink, my color.  
He would say the flowers were going to be taller than him.  They are Mark, and they are beautiful like him. I could not have asked for a better son.  Miss that smile and his eyes.  I could never tell if he was awake or sleeping.  
Miss and love you.  
Mom

When you look at the amount of words in a dictionary, it is hard to imagine there are just not enough  to convey or express the feelings when your loved one is taken so suddenly.  Mark simply completed me.  He was my rock and stability, my champion and hero.  He was the most honest, trustworthy and honorable man I have ever known.  He was my best friend and life partner.  I was so blessed to have shared the past 16 years of my life with this man.  Mark was an extremely private person and many people did not get the opportunity to truly know him, but I can assure you, he was a passionate, sincere, caring, loving and amazing man.  He gifted me with a lifetime of memories and love that I will treasure.  
I love you Mark Darling.... Forever and For Always, No Matter What!

Mark you will be deeply missed . You have touched people in different ways over the years. You could make people laugh when they needed the most, you would listen without judgment. You cared for others without hesitation. You were always there when anyone needed you to be. We didn't keep in touch like we should have, I will always keep you in my heart. Love prayers and thoughts for everyone.

Love you always 
Your cousin Melissa

I had the pleasure of working with Mark for several years in New Mexico. He was always one of my favorite employees. He used to make me laugh on a daily basis with some kind of shenanigans that he'd be pulling and usually I'd end up getting in trouble for it. Mark was a very kind and loving soul.  I enjoyed and cherished our friendship over the years.  As the years went by, Mark spent much more time dedicated to trying to stay in touch with me than I did trying to stay in touch with him. I will always regret that. I never did like talking on the phone for a very long time to anyone just not my nature, however when I would have phone calls with Mark they would often lasts at least an hour and a half to two hours, and I enjoyed every minute of it. He lived life to the fullest, and was a great outdoorsman, always had something going on. I always admired that in him. He's a fellow Navy veteran, I respected his service and his patriotism. He loved this country, and would do anything to defend the flag. I am deeply saddened by his loss.  He will always be a cherished memory for me. Rest in peace my friend God bless you and God bless Christina and his family and your family Christina. Respectfully, Michael Ayers


I had the pleasure of working with Mark for a summer at ENSTAR.  He was a hard working team member who did everything with a purpose and was wanting to learn more. He kept me motivated even doing everyday tasks. He even got me into HAM radio. He was one of my favorite people to have known and worked with and will always be remembered and missed.

Mark was a great guy.   I met him through ham radio.  I have three radios and a hat that used to belong to him.  I’ll miss our occasional talks on the radio, and I’ll especially miss his random text messages.  One of the nicest people I’d ever met.  73 de KI7YRR.   

I'm going to miss Mark a lot!  We worked together as Matmen (CTMs) in the Navy for many years. My best memories are all the fishing trips we took in at least 4 different states during & after our Navy years...often with our buddy Mr. T.  Most of our fishing was in remote places in Maine or Alaska but I also have fond memories of tuning our spinning lures in a Holiday Inn swimming pool in Milpitas, California. Sometimes we'd go months without talking & I'm not even sure what year it was when I last saw him but, we always picked right up where we last left off. Fair winds & following seas my dear friend...

I was lucky enough to have Mark as a brother.  We were less than two years apart so we always had the same interests.  We moved a lot in our younger years, but we always lived in the country.  Creeks and ponds were always near so we learned to fish, trap and hunt frogs.  As teenagers we worked on local farms, which led to us having our own livestock.  We both were Boy Scouts, learned to camp and earned our merit badges.  Our father always had projects for us around our small farm, so we learned a lot of different skills.  Be both enjoyed riding motorcycles and raced Motocross.  We were lucky to have parents that encouraged us to try different things and let us learn and grow. The future won't be as good without him, he wanted to get a camper and start camping.

Mark was one of my ham radio friends. We used to kid each other because we wanted to sell radio equipment to each other, as ham radio operators often do, but it turned out that we each had a lot of the same equipment! We couldn't sell or trade for the same equipment!
Great minds think alike, he would say. He will be truly missed! :(
73, OM.  de KN4IDF 

Mark was introduced to me at a time in my life when I didn’t think I needed another father figure. I did not make things easy. I am so grateful that he stayed with my mother at the hardest times. He never tried to be a father to me but a great friend and I always respected that. Mark took good care of my mother, me and my sister. I will always be grateful for that.  Mark was always supportive and encouraging when it came to my work and always so curious about it. He had great advice when it came to my life decisions even if he didn’t agree. I will miss being able to hear what advice he might have. We really connected when we talked about work, trucks, and politics. A great sense of humor and goofiness to him.  I will forever be grateful for the life you shared with my mom and our family. Rest In Peace Mark the Shark.  

My Condolences to your Family. I got to know Mark from Ham Radio. He was always a likeable person with a good sense of humor. He liked talking on IRLP/EchoLink and also was active on HF and some times talked on the intermountain inertie to ham friends north of Las Vegas.  The most memorable time is when Mark took the time to meet  up with me at a local Casino.   He will never be forgotten Anchors Away and 73 DE Tom AF7J  USMC

My condolences to the Family. I have known Mark a few years as a fellow ham radio operator. My thoughts and prayers are to him and his family.

John Arto, W7JCA 

My condolence to the Family ,I didn't know Mark that well but I have talked with him on the radio a few times and I finally met him face to face a few month's ago at our monthly swap meet , he will be missed. May he rest in peace.

                                                                                             Daniel Poltronieri  KI7SBU

Your Son, Your Dad, Your Brother,  A Nephew and Best Friend to my Dad, My God Father, My Cousin, At times in my life he was one of my number one fans, my therapist, my go to.    

He was admired by many, will be greatly missed, forever be in our hearts and always remembered.  
Nothing can fill the void created by the loss of such a wonderful man in our lives.  

May all of 
his LOVE live in our hearts forever.
His MEMORIES give us peace comfort and strength for today, tomorrow and days to come.

Love you all
Heather and family

OBITUARY

Mark Edward Ettelt

April 26, 1959 – August 21, 2021

Palm Northwest Mortuary & Cemetery

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