Mark Haefke 1963-2023

Mark James Haefke, 59, of Topeka, passed away on May 27, 2023, from complications related to metastatic testicular cancer with his family by his side. He was a beloved son, husband, father, brother, friend.

Mark was born on July 31, 1963, in Wamego. He graduated from Wabaunsee Senior High, class of 1981. He studied at Emporia State University before completing his master’s degree in social work from The University of Kansas. Mark finished his career as an adjunct professor at Highland Community College and as the technology coordinator for the Royal Valley school district, USD 337.

Mark was a gentle man with a determined spirit. He used his tattoo of a cross and a lion on his forearm as an opportunity to share about his deep faith in Jesus. Mark was a major techie; he especially loved riding his motorcycles and took several trips across the country on his bike. Even faced with significant health challenges, his family is so proud of how he endured and considered others. Throughout his chemo treatment, Mark looked for opportunities to bless his care team.

He was preceded in death by his father, John W Haefke; and his late father’s wife, Norma Haefke, of Alma.

He is survived by his wife, Kelly Haefke (née Simecka) of Topeka; his children, Dr. Brandon Haefke and wife Madison of Chanute, Ryan Haefke and partner Rev. Ross Allen of Leominster, Mass., and Samantha Bachand of Seattle, Wash., and their mother, Tina Haefke of Olathe, along with his grandchildren, Samuel, Silas and Josiah and another boy on the way. He is also survived by Kelly’s children, Nichole Danielle Gizawski of Olathe and Joshua Chavez and partner Stephanie Blumer of Albuquerque, N.M.

He is also survived by his mother, Laura Haefke, of Topeka; and his siblings and their families, David Haefke and wife Annie of Randolph and their children Grant and John, Diane Haller of Topeka and her children Carolyn and Chris, and Lesa Morby and husband Bill of Carpinteria, Calif.

A celebration of Mark’s life was held Sunday, June 4 at Northland Christian Church in Topeka.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a memorial fund that will be used for a scholarship at Royal Valley USD 337 for high school students interested in technology careers. The full obituary and donation details can be found at www.everloved.com/life-of/mark-haefke/

(PAID OBITUARY)