KLEMME BOOK

Mark Lester Tue

1954 - 2024


Mark Lester Tue February 10, 2024 Mark L. Tue, 69 of Garner, IA passed away February 10, 2024, at his home in Garner of natural causes. Public visitation will be held Thursday, February 15, 2024, from 4-7 PM at the Garner United Methodist Church, 855 Maben Avenue, Garner. Public funeral services will be on Friday, February 16, 2024, at 10:30 AM, at the church with visitation continuing one hour prior to the funeral service. The Rev. Kristin Peters will be officiating. Burial will be in the Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme. Those wishing to express their sympathies through a memorial in Mark’s name may wish to consider “God’s Pantry” Food Bank % of the Garner Methodist Church, EMS of Garner, to his family who will be planting trees in his memory, or to the donor’s choice. The funeral service will be live streamed for those unable to attend in person on both the Garner United Methodist Church Facebook page and the Andrews Funeral Homes Facebook page, just LIKE either page to view. Mark Lester Tue, son of Lavon Tue and Ruth (Stille) Tue Knudtson was born on April 28, 1954 in Britt, Iowa. He grew up in Klemme attending Klemme Community Schools, graduating from Klemme High School in 1972. He was a four year letter winner of the Klemme Shamrocks football team. Not many can say that. After graduating, Mark attended both Ellsworth Community College and North Iowa Area Community College for a period of time. He then entered the workforce. He tried his hand at many jobs, such as the meat packing plant in Britt, he painted and sandblasted water towers in the region, spent time with BMD-Butler Manufacturing in Klemme and eventually settled in for 20 years at Zinpro in Garner until his retirement. Mark has a son Dru Tue-Nelson from a first marriage. He then met and married Margaret (Johnson) Katter, on May 26, 1990 at the Klemme United Methodist Church. Their union brought a daughter Morgan Crystal. Morgan was joined at home by Margaret's two children Miekka Cooper and John Katter. In 1999, they moved from Klemme to Garner, where they built a life and raised their family. Their journey ended just short of 30 years prior to Margaret passing on April 12, 2020. Mark and Margaret relished their blended family, along with the blessings of the grandchildren that came their way. He was very much looking forward to the addition of another grandchild this year as Morgan is welcoming another child in March to join siblings, Lennon and Luka at home. Over the years Mark and Margaret shared many mutual passions including: couples golf league and tournaments, couples bowling leagues, supporting each other during their careers and spending time with their friends no matter the occasion. During their years together Mark and Magaret enjoyed supporting and encouraging Morgan, Dru, John, and Miekka along with their families in all they were involved in. He was always there with a listening ear, willing to offer his advice or help in any way he could. Mark looked forward to spending time with family whether on various trips, outings or vacation. Camping to Lake Red Rock, Pike's Peak or another destination, a trip to a local ice cream shop, an afternoon of boating and fishing. He enjoyed having family alongside him in the garden, sharing his mother's recipe, and the tradition of yearly Lefse making. Truly anything in their presence was a true joy to him. Mark loved to prepare, season and marinate delicious meat for grilling and smoking that were enjoyed by family and friends. He looked forward to his outings at one of many local meat shops around the region. Mark liked his own meals to be seasoned hot and spicy, the hotter the better! He loved to relax on the deck with his dog Ruby, enjoying the sounds of nature, he was known to enjoy a “brevie” and cigar during those times. Not one to sit still you might find Mark out meticulously manicuring his lawn, planting trees, woodworking in his garage making something for his family. Mark cheered for both the Hawkeyes and Cyclones. He had a stronger love for the Cyclones, which was obvious in his countless different ISU shirts in his wardrobe. Mark was often seen around Garner on his “grocery getter” moped and had a newfound interest in pickleball and he looked forward to volunteering at "God's Pantry" Food Bank. The last few years in his new role as a widower, Mark's path crossed with another widow, Mary Hawley of Belmond. The two had enjoyed one another's company during the last several months. Mary taught Mark to play cribbage and they enjoyed game nights with Greg and Nancy. Those who were fortunate enough to cross paths with Mark's life journey will reflect fondly on him as a man of faith, family and friends. A man who was non-judgmental, always grateful, gracious with his time, filled with kindness, goodness and always strived to do what is right. He was the "Light for his family!". He was always a caretaker and giver to others. His memory will burn bright in his loving family including, daughter Morgan (Adam) Kramer of Garner and their children: Lennon and Luka; son Dru (Meghan) Nelson of Monroe and their son Levi; stepdaughter Miekka (Blake) Cooper of Mason City and their children Mia Katter, Jackson and Vincent Milhan; stepson John (Gina) Katter of Klemme and their daughter Kana Katter; a nephew Chad (Michelle) Tue of Britt and their children, Nate and Sydney; a brother Greg (Nancy) Tue of Hampton; brother-in-law Marly (Lois) Johnson of Klemme; companion Mary Hawley, of Belmond; along with numerous other extended family and countless friends. Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Lavon Tue and Ruth Tue Knudtson, stepfather Jim Knudtson, wife Margaret. Visitation Thursday, February 15, 2024, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM, United Methodist Church, 855 Maben Avenue, Garner, Iowa Funeral Service Friday, February 16, 2024, 10:30 AM, United Methodist Church, 855 Maben Avenue, Garner, Iowa