Memorial
Mark M. Downing, 74, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Wednesday, August 9, 2023. A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2023, 11:00am-1:00pm, at the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. A graveside committal and inurnment will immediately follow at the Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.
Mark was born on November 29, 1948, in Marne, IA to Berl and Rilla (Menefee) Downing. His passions in life were his husband, Steve, and his grandsons, Logan, Bladen, and Jackson. Mark served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War where he made friends that he stayed in touch with throughout the years. Mark enjoyed fishing all throughout his life and especially being on the water with family. He also enjoyed golfing when the weather was decent and even on days it wanted to rain. (He would go to the course and attempt to beat the rain to say he did.) As the grandsons got older, he shared his joy of golfing and fishing with them. Mark also enjoyed spending his summer sunny days walking the parks surrounding Cedar Rapids. His love of nature knew no boundaries, except for snakes. Sharing that love of nature with Steve and the grandsons is what kept Mark smiling. Mark and Steve were the ones that we all gravitated to no matter the circumstance. They were there for family, friends, and community without being asked. We all will miss their kindness, compassion, generosity, sense of humor, smiles and laughs, and overall love of life. They will both be forever in our hearts.
Mark is survived by his brothers, Doug (Joanne) Downing and Craig Downing; daughter, Nikkole (Mark) Williamson; grandsons, Logan Smart, Bladen Smart and Jackson (Maggie) Smart; extended family, Tricia (Patrick Walker) Kitzmann; niece, Lauren (Matt) Brant; and nephew, Jason (Maria) Block.
Mark was preceded in death by his husband of 38 years, Steve Schmidt; and parents, Berl and Rilla (Menefee) Downing.
A special thanks to all to the nurses, doctors and staffing of Stoney Point Meadows, Meth-Wick, and Care Initiatives Hospice that aided with his care. The family appreciates all the devotion that was made to ensure he was healthy, happy, and comfortable.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of Mark.