Address
Locke on 4th
1519 W 4th St.
Waterloo, IA 50702
Memorial Visitation
August 8, 2026
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Locke at Tower Park
4140 Kimball Ave., Waterloo, IA
Memorial Service
August 8, 2026
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Locke at Tower Park
4140 Kimball Ave., Waterloo, IA
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Mark Opheim, 47, of Springfield, MO, formerly of Waterloo, died unexpectedly at his home of natural causes on July 11, 2026.
He was born on July 17, 1978, in Waterloo, the son of Dr. Kent and Barbara (Criswell) Opheim.
Mark graduated from Waterloo West High School in 1996. During his time at West, he excelled in academics, running track and field, and cross country (including at Drake Relays and state), and singing in concert choir and show choir. He was elected president of the student senate during his senior year.
He went on to obtain his bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa and eventually attended Missouri Synod Lutheran Seminary in St. Louis.
He married Courtney Parviz on May 29, 2005, in St. Louis; they later divorced.
Mark’s Christian faith was especially important to him. He loved studying scriptures, including both the Old and New Testaments, and the significance of them together. Dates of events and how the Lord presented them to His people and the world to understand the past and future of the Lord’s plans.
Above all, Mark liked people and cared deeply about the homeless. He enjoyed debating current events on TikTok. He recently was happy to re-connect with his daughter, Johnna, over coffee. Mark valued many friendships throughout the U.S.; many of whom were not know to his family. The family appreciates those who were known.
He worked for many years as an OTR truck driver.
Mark is survived by parents, Kent & Barb Opheim of Waterloo; a brother, Michael James Opheim, also of Waterloo; a sister, Katy (Greg) Opheim Bawin of Waxhaw, North Carolina; his daughter, Johnna Opheim of St. Louis; two uncles, John (Chris) Criswell of Indianola, and Eric (Lisa) Opheim of Grundy Center; three aunts, Judy (Robert “Bob”) Griffin of South Salem, New York, Carolin (John) Logan, and Sharon Opheim, both of West Des Moines; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Myron & Mary Criswell; paternal grandparents, Robert & Evelyn Opheim; and an uncle, Bruce Criswell.
Memorial Services: 11:00 am, August 8, 2026, at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave., Waterloo, with a reception to follow. Inurnment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Waterloo. A memorial visitation will be held for one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the family.
Locke at Tower Park is assisting the family. Locke at Tower Park, 319-233-3146.
Our paths crossed infrequently but Mark was my closest friend for several years. We shared a lot of experiences together from high school well into the years beyond. I’ll remember him for his inquisitive mind, his desire to help the less fortunate, and for making me laugh when no one else could. Thanks for being there, Mark.
We were so sorry to learn of Mark’s passing. Mark ran track n cross country with our sons at West High. We witnessed his love n kindness for his brother at some of these events. In later years Mark installed a kitchen floor in our home, tuned our piano and helped Nate cut down trees in our yard. He had many interests that were shared with us while he was around. Mark had a great smile. He was a good n supportive friend to Nate which was appreciated.
Thank you Sandy. These memories help us get through the day.
Mark was one of my earliest friends and famously the first of only two men who have ever proposed marriage to me (never mind that Mark was in kindergarten at the time and wooed me with talk to Go-Bots).
I am so saddened by this loss. Mark had a profound impact on me and I have many happy memories growing up and attending school with him. May he rest in peace.
Mark was one of my best friends growing up. He was always kind, immeasurably funny, goofy, and so incredibly smart. A few days ago, he popped into my mind, and now I know he was just saying Hi. My heart is broken. Wishing peace for the Opheim family.
I am sad to hear of Mark’s passing. We were in high school at West and ran in similar friend circles. He was always kind and funny and I respected him greatly. My sympathy to the entire family and loved ones.
I lost touch with Mark over the years, but will always remember him as a fantastic prom date in 1995, a great Jim Carey impersonator, excellent show choir dancer, FAST runner, compassionate class president and beautiful friend. Bon courage dear Mark. My deepest condolences to the Opheim family.
I am sad to hear of Mark’s passing. We were in high school at West and ran in similar friend circles. He was always kind and funny and I respected him greatly. My sympathy to the entire family and loved ones.
Kent & Barb, We are sorry for your loss. We will pray for comfort and peace for you family.
Jeff & Mary Margaret Halverson
Kent & Barb, We are sorry for your loss. We will pray for comfort and peace for you family.
Jeff & Mary Margaret Halverson
I’m heartbroken to learn of Mark’s passing. Although we never really knew each other beyond sharing the halls of high school, I always knew his name and recognized him as someone who was kind. Reading the stories posted before, it’s clear he was someone who led with generosity and kindness. He sounds like someone I would have gotten along well with. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
I am so sorry and saddened to hear this.
Mark was very special to me. My most memorable time was when he and our son were in a summer school program which involved taking a bus. Our son was 3 years younger than Mark and unsure about it all. Mark realized the situation and gladly accepted a big brother type role in getting Dan to school and home. I was so impressed and grateful.
I will always have such fond memories of Mark.
Thinking of you Barb and Kent and sending thoughts and prayers and this memory your way
Graduated class of 96 with Mark. I’m so sorry to hear about Mark. Takes me way back to West High. Good times all those years cross country and track Mark was a genuinely kind person. Condolences to your family.
Dear Kent, Barb , Michael and Katy. We are so sorry to hear of Mark’s passing.
Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you all.
Gary and Susan Gielau
Dr. and Mrs. Opheim,
We send our sincerest sympathy to you and your family after this unimaginable loss.
We hold you in our thoughts and prayers.
We were so sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. May fond memories of Mark bring you peace and comfort at this sad time. Our sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to the family.
Mark was one of the kindest souls I ever met. When I suffered bullying as a kid he never made fun of me. Mark sung at my wedding and was Godfather to my eldest son, Spencer. I was blessed to attend his wedding with my family and even added a daughter after attending! Mark loved the Lord and I was blessed to spend time with him when I went back to Waterloo. I will miss him. I wish I could make it back for his services, but I cannot. Rest in Peace, Mark. I’ll see you on the other side.
I was saddened to hear of Mark’s passing. He was such a good friend in highschool and starting out at Iowa State. We always had a ton of fun together and he was an integral part of my high school friend group. I will continue to keep his family in my prayers and to cherish my memories with him.
I am so sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. Although we lost touch as adults, he was my good friend throughout middle and high school. We shared a love of running and had many deep conversations when driving back and forth to UNI for class as (high school) seniors. He was remarkably kind, quirky, and funny. My heart goes out to the Opheim family in this difficult time. I hope that the good memories of Mark bring you comfort and peace.
We are so sad to hear of Mark’s passing. We didn’t know him but our thoughts and prayers are with your family. In sympathy. Jerry and Alvina Olson.
I am so sorry to hear about Mark’s passing. Quite a shocker when I opened the newspaper and saw his obituary. I have known the Opheim family since I was a teenager. I attended their church for several years, and his father was my longtime physician. I won’t make it to the wake and service due to another commitment on my schedule, but my thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this time.
My family was terribly saddened to hear about Mark. We last saw him almost 2 decades ago, once when his route took him to Indiana (where I was studying at the time), and again when we visited him in St. Louis. We were in touch on and off over the years, and I remember talking with him about various topics such as his experience living at a commune as well as the virtue of hard currency. I will cherish these memories and offer profound condolences to the Opheim family as well as everyone who was touched by Mark’s unique spirit.
Im so sorry to hear of your son’s passing. I didn’t know Mark but I know both of you, his parents. I can venture to say that he was a great human as you both are awesome people. I am so saddened for your loss and will be thinking of you and your family during this time of grief.
I was so saddened to read of Mark’s death in the Sunday paper. I remember him as a youngster in Sunday School and having fellowship with the entire family at church. May God comfort you at this time of grief with the hope of the resurrection.
Ohhhh my goodness I am so so sorry to hear this, my sincere sympathies to all of you. May you all find strength & peace as God wraps his arms around you 🙏❤️🩹
We were very saddened to hear of Mark’s passing. Our sympathies and prayers to Barb & Kent and the whole family for healing in this time of grieving. We know that your family’s faith will get you through this time. Mark was one of our son Ryan’s best friends growing up and from seeing the family in church. We certainly remember him fondly. We didn’t hear from him too often but when he was driving and if he was in the area he would call and catch up. We always appreciated that he took the time to remember us and would let us know what he was doing. It doesn’t seem like much but we sure appreciated his taking the time to do so, it’s those little things that made him Mark. He will always hold a place in our memories.
Bob & Jean Bengfort
Barb & Kent,
So sorry to read of your son, Mark’s passing…although we haven’t known you children -as they are just older than ours(and attended different WCS schools) We’ve known you both from our own childhoods and professionally here in Waterloo.
With our long ties…. Our hearts ache for duch a loss for your entire family..We continue surrounding you in prayers in these days, weeks and months ahead🙏🏼🙏🏼💕
Dear Barb and Kent,
There are really no words that we can use to convey our sorrow for the loss of life of your son, Mark. We both have experienced the hills and valleys in our lives’ journeys, but not to this magnitude. God be with you and give you peace and even joy as we celebrate the certainty of a heaven together again.
Kent and Barb,
I am so sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine how much pain you are feeling or how empty things must seem right now. Sometimes, words just aren’t enough, and this is one of those times.
I want you to know how much I care about you, how often I think of you, and how often I pray for you. I wish there was something I could do or say to help ease your pain, even a little.
In the days ahead, I hope your faith brings you comfort and strength. When things feel too heavy, I pray that God will carry you. If the grief feels like too much, I hope you feel His presence with you, holding you close and bringing you peace.
You will always carry your love for your son with you. The memories you shared, the laughter, and even the ordinary days that now mean so much will always be part of you. I hope that, in time, these memories bring you comfort and remind you how much he was loved and what a blessing his life was.
Even in your sorrow, I hope you can hold on to the promise of eternal life and the hope that this goodbye is not forever. I pray that this gives you strength on the hardest days and peace when there are no answers.
Kent and Barb, please remember you are not alone in this. You are loved and cared for, and I, along with your many friends, will keep you close in our hearts and in our prayers.
With deepest sympathy, love, and heartfelt prayers,
William
I was so saddened by the news of Mark’s passing. Mark and I were mostly in the same classes through Kingsley, Hoover and West High before my family moved. He was extremely intelligent, hilarious and had a big heart. Mark always treated me just as a friend should: with respect.
Mark’s sister Katy went to school with my sister Kristie, and his mother served on the schoolboard with my Aunt Bernice. Our families interacted with each other in many ways over the years.
We lost touch as we moved on to college and adulthood. To Dr. & Mrs. Opheim, Michael & Katy, my family and I extend our most sincere condolences, love and prayers. Rest well Mark.
Sending you our sincere condolences. May wonderful memories of Mark bring you peace and comfort.
My sincere condolences to Mark’s mother, father and family. I had the honor to know him during the time he spent in the Ozark area. He became friends with my brother and I and many others.He was our loyal friend who would be there for our birthdays and dinners and times of need. He was our friend who could truly see our strengths and made sure to acknowledge this. He was always so kind and sincere and pursuing truth in all that he did. I knew how rare this is, to know such an authentic friend and I will miss him immensely.
My condolences to the Opeim family, Mark and I graduated from West High School. Also, I had the pleasure to support his brother Mike at North Star. May God be with you at this time.
My condolences to the Opheim family, Mark and I graduated from West High School. Also, I had the pleasure to support his brother Mike at North Star. May God be with you at this time.
Kent and Barb,
My heart goes out to you. I am so sorry for the loss of your son. Mark and my son, David, both graduated in the West High class of 96. David spoke highly of him.
May God bless and strengthen you during this difficult time.
A unique kind of sadness passed over me when I heard of Mark’s passing. My mother informed me this last weekend. Though Mark and I were not close over these last 30 years or so, we did go to school together from 2nd or 3rd grade thru high school. We reconnected very briefly via social media 15-20 years ago. A couple short DMs back and forth and that was it. But that was all that was needed to confirm each other was doing ok, on a productive path, and experiencing a little joy now and then with family and close friends. My heart goes out to his family and those close friends and everyone one else who had the good fortune of knowing Mark Opheim. He was a good dude. A truly unique, genuine, and compassionate individual.
RIP, Mark.