Mark Joseph Vivoda III

Celebrating the life story of Mark Joseph Vivoda lll born December 14, 1937 to Stella (Stana) and Mark J. Vivoda Jr. and passed June 12, 2026. Leaving wife Ethel of 63 years, children Mark E. (Karen) and Marla. Preceded in death by brother Richard (Alice). Survived by two cherished grandchildren Mark J. Vivoda and Shannon Vivoda, nieces Stana (Bob) Anderson, Vicky Vivoda, Valerie (Manny) Ortega, brother-in-law George (Yukiko) Baker, nephew Bernard (Michelle) Baker, niece Isabella Baker and nephew Jack Baker.

Born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado, Mark gained firsthand knowledge of what a blue collar city is all about as his dad worked for the steel mill. He would later briefly work there himself and took on many other opportunities to earn a living. Mark never shied away from hard work. As baseball roots run deep in the Vivoda family, Mark enjoyed frequently playing catch with his dad in the alleyway as a young boy. One of his most memorable baseball experiences was being a bat boy for the Class A minor league Pueblo Dodgers team. Mark also collected baseballs for a nickel each and changed the scoreboard at Runyon.

Mark attended Central High School and received letters in baseball, football, and basketball. During his junior year of high school he was a member of the C-Club and National Athletic Scholarship Society. He was senior president and graduated in 1955.

Following high school graduation, Mark joined the United States Navy with baseball opportunities which led him to the San Francisco Giants’ farm team. Desiring to return to Colorado, he played baseball, football, and was a member of the rodeo team at Adams State University. Making that time at Adams State even more special, was playing on the fields with his younger brother Rich. Prior to receiving his Master’s Degree, Mark was a student teacher leading to over 30 years in school district 60 alongside his loving wife, Ethel. Mark was a gold card member of PRCA, a past president of Pueblo County Farm Bureau and other associations.

Traveling a different direction every summer, he participated in rodeos, visited new museums, historic sites, and thoroughly enjoyed discovering different fishing spots with family. These travels included stops from Cheyenne to Calgary as special memorable and successful rodeo experiences. One favorite memory was when Mark was asked to participate as an actor, to be a stage coach robber, at the Days of ‘76 Rodeo in Deadwood, South Dakota, which he obliged.

Just as Mark's parents enjoyed watching him play various sports, Mark would not miss a grandchild's competition in soccer, swimming, t-ball, or lacrosse but highlighted by Mark Justin’s East High School 3 peat state football championships and Shannon’s state championship runner-up in shotput, top 10 finisher in discus, and followed by her Baylor Softball career.

Continuing to build upon a family legacy at their Rye ranch, Mark had a dream to construct a log home, which became a reality with the help of his family and friends while creating special bonds with his dad and son.

As a self taught humble man, he mentored others in following and achieving dreams. His lifetime ends with cherished memories and his pride of seeing others following their own dreams.