Mark Dale Budensiek Jr.

Mark Dale Budensiek, Jr., 57, of Hobe Sound, Florida, passed into his heavenly home on August 15, 2026, following a prolonged battle with cancer.

Mark was born in Asmara, Eritrea, on January 14, 1969, to missionary parents Mark and Nancy Budensiek. Mark was blessed to grow up as the youngest of six children. At age 3, his family returned to the United States. When Mark was 8 years old, his family moved to Taiwan where he became fluent in Mandarin Chinese. He viewed the 5 years in Taiwan as some of the best of his growing-up years. His family again returned to the United States where his dad pastored a church in Jupiter, Florida while Mark attended Hobe Sound Christian Academy for his Junior High and High School years. After graduation, in 1987 he returned to Taiwan with his parents for one year during which time he taught English language classes. Over the next several years, Mark attended college, participated in short term mission trips, and explored what career would be a good fit for him. During this time, he was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. It was this diagnosis which caused him to realize his need for a deeper relationship with God. In 2002 he graduated from Hobe Sound Bible College with a Bachelor of Arts degree and worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant for many years. Then, in 2007, Mark finally succeeded in catching the attention of the love of his life, and they were married in November, 2009. During that time, he graduated from the Corrections Academy at Indian River State College in 2008 and worked at Martin Correctional Institution. In 2011 he began work for Martin County Sheriff’s Office as a corrections deputy where he served until his passing.

Mark’s highest priorities in life were his relationship with Jesus Christ, making memories with his wife and daughter, and spending time with his extended family. He loved connecting with people wherever he was—whether at work, at church, or on the pickleball court.

Mark is survived by his wife, Marissa, and daughter, Malina; brother, Philip (Joy) Budensiek; brother, Peter (Kathy) Budensiek, and their children, Michael (Audra) Budensiek, Veronica (Jon) Atkinson, Thomas (Whitney) Budensiek, and Brenna Budensiek; brother, Paul (Marilyn) Budensiek, Sr., and their children, Tiffany (Shirl) Rosengreen, Crystal (Gabriel) Survance, and Paul Budensiek, Jr.; sisters, Deborah Budensiek, and Julia (Wendell) Wagstaff, and their children, Kolyse (Kyle) Caver, Kaylee (Jordan) Miller, and Justin (Katie) Wagstaff; aunt, Bonnie VanDerKolk; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Larry and Imelda Mabus; and his sister-in-law, LeAnn (Mark) Weaver, and their children, Rachel, Caleb, Megan, and Madison. He will also be deeply missed by great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

A Celebration of Life for Mark will be held on Saturday, August 22, at 3:00 p.m. at Hobe Sound Bible Church. Visitation will be held from 1:00–3:00 p.m. Law enforcement honors will be rendered by the Martin County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard.

Mark’s life was a testimony to his love for Jesus, his devotion to his family, and his genuine care for others. He will be deeply loved, greatly missed, and forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider giving to Hope International Missions’ Member Care Fund P.O. Box 1065, Hobe Sound, FL 33475. Your generosity will provide practical assistance, care, and encouragement to missionaries and their families during challenging circumstances.