Mark Kragel

Mark Darl Kragel was born March 5, 1953, the son of Paul and LaVerne Kragel. He passed away March 4, 2015 at St. Luke's Regional Medical Center at the age of 61, just in time to celebrate his 62nd birthday with those he missed in heaven.
Mark was born in Charter Oak, Iowa. He spent his childhood growing up on the family farm where he enjoyed spending time with his siblings. At a young age, Mark grew to love Elvis Presley. He would sit on his porch with his dog, Tuffy, and they would sing Elvis songs. Mark would sing and Tuffy would join in. He absolutely adored Elvis and thoroughly enjoyed his trip to see an Elvis impersonator at WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa, where he sang with the impersonator and received a standing ovation.
In 1988, Mark moved to Mid-Step Services in Sioux City, Iowa, where he lived at Park View Homes. Then in 1993, Mark moved to Stone Ridge Apartments where he loved his independence. He learned to take care of his home by cleaning and, his favorite, vacuuming. He attended the Mid-Step Day program and worked in the print shop area where he placed labels on mailings, did clerical work and greeted the customers. His positive attitude and overall happiness for life was infectious. He loved to play tricks on people and was known to be a ladies man. In his free time, Mark enjoyed watching football, the Johnny Carson Show, John Wayne movies, and coloring. He was very active in community activities and was a member of the Aktion Kiwanis Club and the Mid-Steps Choir. He also enjoyed trips to the ranch, riding horses and Camp High Hopes. Mark's last big trip was to the Black Hills where he loved going to Bear Country.
Mark was a very tenderhearted man who had a knack for making everyone around him happy. Over the years he spent a lot of time with one very special girl, Kylee Privett. She brought a joy to him like no one else could. Every year he looked forward to spending Christmas Eve with Kylee and her parents at their home. Mark loved going out to lunch with his brothers and sister and spending time with them.
Mark is preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Paul. Survivors include two brothers: Gary and his wife, Dolly; Larry ; one sister, Marlene and her husband, Wesley; his special friend, Kylee; his roommates: Melvin, Danny, Kim, Jennifer and Raymond; the staff at Stone Ridge; many other relatives and friends.