Mark Lynn Fitzgerald

Mark Lynn FitzGerald of Meriden, Kansas passed away peacefully on December 13, 2019 at his home, surrounded by loved ones.

Mark was born September 19, 1947, the son of Marie and Desmond FitzGerald of Beattie, KS.  He graduated from Beattie High School in 1965 along with 11 other classmates.

After high school, Mark joined the US Navy and served from 1966 to 1970 including active service aboard the USS Ranger during the Vietnam War. He then returned to Meriden, KS, and was married to Pamela (Petesch) FitzGerald for 16 years and had three children: April Gibbs, Kyna Croft and Kyle FitzGerald. Mark was married to his second wife Deanna until her death in 2015.  Mark worked at Goodyear for 35 years in Topeka, Kansas.

Anyone who ever met Mark knew he was a kind and friendly man, born with the Irish gift of gab. It is safe to say he never met a stranger, or at least not for long. Mark loved to share his knowledge of the outdoors including trapping, fishing, hunting and especially bee keeping. He proudly raised bees and loved to share the honey and mead he produced. Taxidermy and wood carving were two other skills that displayed his innate artistic ability and love for the natural world. His character, and a character he was indeed, will be sorely missed by his family, friends and community.

Survivors include his brother John (Pam), sisters Mary (Jack), and Mona; a son Kyle (Abigail), two daughters Kyna (Chris), and April, a step daughter Lorie; 6 grandchildren; his significant other Michelle Eisermann and his beloved dog, Yapper.

A celebration of life will take place from 2pm-5pm on December 21 at the VFW in Meriden, KS. Burial will take place in Beattie, KS at 11am on December 28.