IN MEMORIAM
EXPANDED EULOGIES
“In Memoriam” listings are expanded paid obituaries, phrased as the family requests, and may include enhanced information or photographs that might not fit within free death notices.
Mark Krotz
A celebration of life for Mark Francis Krotz, 61, who died April 8, 2024, in Mesa, Arizona, will be 11 a.m. July 6 in Fellowship Hall of Hillsboro United Methodist Church, 905 E. D St. A light lunch and refreshments will be served.
He was born July 30, 1962, at Salem Hospital, Hillsboro, to Florian and Nina (Hornbaker) Krotz.
After graduating from Hillsboro High School in 1980, he moved to Salina to attend Salina Area Technical College and then to Wichita after accepting a position with KAKE-TV.
While in school Mark obtained his private and instrument commercial pilot licenses and flight instructor certification.
Mark enjoyed sharing his love of flying with relatives and friends.
After obtaining his airframe and power plant certification, Mark worked at Cessna Aircraft.
Never a fan of cold weather, he moved to Mesa, Arizona, in 1985, where he went to work for America West Airlines.
In 2004, Mark went to work for Motorola Solutions Phoenix Field Service Organization as a system technologist, providing troubleshooting and upgrade assistance for local, state, and federal communication systems.
He earned various certifications through the Electronic Technicians Association International during his time at Motorola.
Mark was an avid amateur radio operator, call sign N7MK, and a long-time member of American Radio Relay League, the national association for amateur radio.
Mark married Laurie Aaland on July 22, 2011, in Mesa. He loved animals, especially their dog, Cheyenne.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Charles and Stephen.
Survivors include his wife, Laurie, of the home, and stepchildren Sarah Haggerty (Marco Munoz) of El Paso, Texas; Rebecca Graham (Peter) of Chicago; Elizabeth Froelich (Shea Willard) of Paulding, Ohio; Zachary Peterson (Katie) of San Tan Valley, Arizona.
Also surviving are step-grandchildren Tristan, Daniel, Kara, Prudence, and Gemma; sister Kathy Carr (Dick) of Hillsboro; and brother Greg Krotz (Kelly) of Newton.
Others include nieces Chris Hammer (Stephen and family) of Augusta and Tammy Shanks (Todd and family) of Minneapolis, Kansas, and nephew Tim Carr (Tera and family) of Lawrence along with numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mark’s memory to a charity of the donor’s choice.