Mark Earl Overduyn

Mark Earl Overduyn was a man who lived a full life—one built on hard work, faith, family, laughter, and love. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Johannes Overduyn and Maria Johana Geertrui Blok. Mark grew into a man who believed in taking care of the people he loved, working hard, telling the truth, and always finding a reason to have a little fun.

In August 1969, during the Vietnam era, Mark joined the United States Army. He and his best friend, Bruce, decided to serve together, beginning a lifelong bond rooted in friendship and loyalty. Mark was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Peggy. They were married for 56 years, celebrating their anniversary every September 11. They were best friends who did almost everything together. They traveled, bowled, played pickleball, stayed active, and made countless memories side by side. Their faith was an important part of their life together. Mark and Peggy loved what they jokingly called “temple hopping,” visiting temples whenever they could. They served together in the temple for 22 years, two nights a week—a commitment that reflectedhow deeply their faith shaped their lives.

Mark and Peggy raised four children: Brandon(Barbara), David, Valerie(Corey), and Zakry(Misty). Mark taught his children by example—stability, a strong work ethic, kindness, honesty, responsibility, and how to enjoy life.  Mark had a special love for his brother Richard and his sister-in-law Diane. He and Peggy shared many wonderful travels and adventures with Richard and Diane, creating memories that will remain a treasured part of their family's story.

Mark was a hardworking provider and a natural entrepreneur. On December 31, 1986, he opened his own business, MP Independent Phones. He was proud of what he built and kept the very first dollar he ever earned from the business. His sons Brandon and Zakry were part of that story from the beginning. Zakry designed the MP logo, carefully cut it all out, and taped it together and Mark ran the business with Brandon until he retired in 2019.

Zakry was also his dad's little helper, often riding on Mark's shoulders as a child. As he grew older, that bond continued through the things they built together. One of those projects was the fireplace in Mark and Peggy's home, which Zakry built and which still stands there today—a lasting reminder of the work they shared and the relationship between a father and son.

His son Brandon spent years working alongside him. Their relationship went far beyond being father and son; they were best friends. Brandon would pick Mark up for work, and the two of them would race down stairs and hallways like a couple of kids. Those moments captured Mark perfectly: he could work hard and still find plenty of room for fun.

Building his business and creating his farm were two of Mark's greatest passions. He had always dreamed of having a farm, and eventually that dream became a reality—with horses, pigs, chickens, gardens, and plenty of projects. His daughter Valerie would go with him to the lumber yard to get what they needed to build on the farm. Mark loved working with his hands, gardening, hunting, fishing, riding horses, and exploring the outdoors, but his favorite part was sharing those experiences with his family.

Mark was also an awesome coach. He coached all of his boys and became known simply as “Coach.” Even years later, people still called him Coach—a testament to the impact he had on the kids and families he worked with. Coaching gave Mark another way to teach the values that mattered most to him: working hard, being a good teammate, showing up for others, and having fun along the way.

Mark believed strongly in telling the truth. He was known for reminding his family, “You don't lie to your doctor, the lawyer, and me.” Honesty mattered to him, and he expected it from the people he loved. As a grandfather and great-grandfather, Mark had a special way of making every child feel important. His grandchildren knew they could talk to him about anything, and they certainly knew how to wrap him around their fingers. He created something special with each of them—from ice cream dates and breakfast dates to camping, hunting, fishing, and countless adventures outdoors.

Mark loved to banter with anyone who would banter back. He was a jokester who could turn an ordinary moment into a family story. He would drive his Jeep just a little crazily, sending the kids laughing as their heads bumped against the windows. He had his own collection of bath-time and hose pranks, always ready to surprise someone who wasn't expecting it. His family will forever remember the laughter that followed wherever he went.

Some of the most treasured memories were the simple ones: Mark and Peggy relaxing together in a little kiddie pool while the kids picked strawberries, a truck full of corn with the kids riding along, days spent working on the farm, and family camping, hunting, and fishing trips.

Mark was funny, loving, hardworking, dependable, and full of energy. If you needed him, he was there. He was a provider, teacher, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. His laugh and the energy he carried will be deeply missed. Simply having Mark there was a blessing.

Mark is survived by his wife of 56 years, Peggy; his children, Brandon, David, Valerie, and Zakry; his brother Richard and sister-in-law Diane; his grandchildren, Colton, Dustin, Dakota, Alicia, Sergio, Eric, Santiago, Jaycee, Myca, Adyson, Tyler, and Jax; and all of his great-grandchildren. His legacy lives on through the lessons he taught, the things he built, the adventures he shared, and the countless stories that will continue to bring laughter to those who loved him. His family will carry his work ethic, honesty, kindness, faith, and sense of humor with them, along with the memory of his unmistakable laugh and the energy he brought wherever he went. His memory will live on.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the West Point City Cemetery, at 1:00 p.m. 

Family and friends may visit from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Russon Mortuary, 1585 West 300 South, Syracuse, prior to the graveside.