Mark Caleb Munson

On January 21, 2016, Mark Caleb Munson came to the end of his valiant five-year battle with cancer.  All who knew and loved him will forever miss his hearty laugh, playful spirit, ¨can-do¨ attitude and generous, kind heart.

Born on October 22, 1954, to Dr. J. P. and Ellen Munson, Mark made Sandpoint, Idaho his lifelong home.  He attended grade school, junior high and high school in his hometown, remaining a fan of all Sandpoint High School sports, especially football.

Mark attended Boise State University in 1975, exploring health care career options but changed direction after discovering his aptitude for welding.  He attained his apprentice welding certification in Coeur d´ Alene, Idaho in 1982 at North Idaho College.

He held a variety of jobs including:  millwright at Vaagen Brothers Lumber Company in Colville, WA; maintenance and operation of a construction barge on Lake Pend Oreille for Kramer Crane and Construction; and large equipment operator for the Syringa Heights family development in Sandpoint.

Mark married Deanna Duke in 1976 and welcomed daughter, Taunee (1976) and son, Steven (1978).  His second daughter, Alyssa, was born in 1985.  He loved his children and, like all of us, found parenting to be a constant challenge.

In 1994, Mark married the love of his life, Shelley Pedey.  Together, they built their home on Syringa Heights and welcomed grandchildren as often as possible.  Mark shared his love of the great outdoors by spending many hours with the grandchildren camping, fishing, and 4 wheeling in places like Koocanusa.   He enjoyed having his grandkids ride along with him on the John Deere tractor while doing chores.  Mark and Shelley devoted almost every weekend to

family activities.  Mark claimed that spending time with Shelley and his family was the sweetest joy in life.

He loved animals and had many pets, (including 3 horses and numerous dogs), throughout his lifetime.  

The last few months, Mark´s constant companions included his two pug/boston terrier puppies, (Rollo and Jackson) and collie mix, (Libby) who will miss him too.

Mark is preceded in death by his father, Dr. Jasper Paul Munson, M.D. (1995), his mother, Ellen Shear Munson (1996), brother, Steven Phillip Munson (1956) and granddaughter, Ashley Renee Ann Thomas (1999).

He is survived by his wife, Shelley; children: Taunee S. Munson Holzhauser, Naples, ID (Roy); Steven C. Munson, Naples, ID;  and Alyssa J. Munson-Clay, Phoenix, AZ; and grandchildren: Samantha and Nathan Thomas, and Emily Pruitt; Caleb, Haylie, Devin and Isabel Munson; and

Myla Clay and Andrew McKinney.  His siblings:  brother, J. Paul Munson, Rochester, WA (Margo); brother, Joseph S. Munson, Boise, ID (Lynn);  sister, Ellen L. Darling, Sandpoint, ID (David); sister, Johanna M. Munson, Boise, ID (Scott Sterling); brother, J. Thayne Munson, Star, ID (Cindy); brother, Darwin D. Munson, Sandpoint, ID; sister, Jacoba M. Line, Spokane, WA (Larry), and numerous nieces and nephews.  

His family would like to acknowledge the kindness shown by his good friends Floyd Kallio and Ernie Bowman during his confinement.    

A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held for Mark Caleb Munson in April, 2016.  If there is a wish to do so, financial donations may be made in Mark’s name to any of the cancer research foundations of choice or the North Idaho Hospice House, (2290 W. Prairie Avenue, Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho 83815).

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Mark’s online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.