Mark Nessen's Obituary
Mark Nessen was born to Margaret Bay Nessen and Charles O. Nessen on July 28, 1949 in Centerville, Iowa. Mark graduated from Wayne High School of Corydon and the University of Iowa’s College of Pharmacy in 1972. The next phase of adult life was interrupted as he served in the Army in what turned out to be the end of the Vietnam War.
Mark’s “dream”, since starting work there at the age of 12, was to return to Corydon and purchase the Roush Pharmacy. In 1981, Mark and Cheri purchased that pharmacy which included a contract with the Wayne County Hospital. Shortly after that, John Walker joined Mark and a 30-year business relationship began.
Mark’s recreation activities changed through his life – but his energy didn’t! His adult recreation activities included golf, rugby, sailing on Lake Rathbun and snow skiing in Colorado. Working for his community also was a high priority. He belonged to the Chamber of Commerce, the Old Settlers Committee and the Corydon Community Development Corporation, serving as President from 1986 until his death, along with consistent support of many other community endeavors.
Being a father and following the activities and sports of his sons, David and Scott, were exciting….along with learning from and hosting two foreign students through AFS; Annette Dengg Jooste of South Africa and Misha Siamashvili of Georgia. During the years following their son’s graduations, Mark and Cheri enjoyed traveling to different destinations.
The “true loves” of his life were his profession and his Iowa Hawkeyes. He loved being a pharmacist for his customers – working with his pharmacy family and health care providers as long as he was able. Following his Hawkeyes in football, basketball and wrestling were very special to him in these years of cancer.
Mark is survived by his wife of 35 years, Cheri, of Corydon, son David Nessen and fiancé, Shannon Link of Denver, Colorado, stepson Lt. Colonel Scott Nichols and daughter Ryleigh of Melbourne, Florida, sister Rita Edwards and husband Jeff of Iowa City, aunt Colleen Bay of Iowa City, brother-in-law Don Thatcher and wife Emily of Ankeny, and very special to Uncle Mark were his nieces; Katie Steffen (Jared) of Iowa City, Kara Strabala of Des Moines, Andrea Olson (Jon) of Ankeny and Erin Ulrich (Brandon) of Des Moines.
Preceding Mark in death are his parents, Margaret and Charles Nessen.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, December 4, 2015 at 2:30 p.m. at the Wayne Community High School, Jr. High Gym. Visitation will be held prior to service from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Wayne Community High School, Jr. High Gym. Memorials may be given to the Corydon Community Development Corporation Endowment, the Chamber of Commerce Lighting Project or Corydon Old Settlers Celebration. Condolences may be shared at www.thomasfh.com.
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