Mark Leonard Vandenbroeke

On February 18, 2023, the world lost an incredible husband, father, grandfather, son, teacher and friend. Mark Leonard VandenBroeke was born on June 18, 1952 in Marshall Minnesota to Leonard and Clementine (Geifer) VandenBroeke. For most of his life, Mark would grow up in California.

He attended San Jose State University and received a bachelor’s degree in Education. While living in California he would meet the love of his life, Maria Bautista while at a laundromat. Maria caught his eye, and Mark took a chance to introduce himself. They married on July 28, 1984, in Mexico. They would have an incredible marriage based on love and respect.

Mark and Maria would be blessed with five children, Bernadette, Elizabeth, Juliana, Henry and Christopher. As a father, Mark was incredibly supportive, always encouraging his children’s hobbies or interests. It was not uncommon for him to let his children know how proud he was of them, and he shared his passion for reading with them. Mark would often take his children to the library so they could pick out books to read. Eventually, the family would move from California to Oregon.

Mark would work for Salem-Keizer school district, mostly as a 4th grade teacher. He would work at Highland Elementary and Auburn Elementary, teaching in bilingual classes. Mark would play and sing his guitar for the children and he would give children who did not have the funds to pay for a library card the opportunity to get books on his. Mark stayed passionate and devoted to his students until his retirement in 2014.

When not working, Mark enjoyed classic rock and going on long walks. He also would take time to write short stories, poems, and lyrics. He was most proud of his published book, “Day of the Dead: El Dia de los Muertos” that he had co-written with Maria. He was a devout Catholic who was a member of the Knights of Columbus and active with St. Edwards Catholic Church in Keizer, Oregon for over 20 years. Additionally, Mark would volunteer with Meals on Wheels during the holiday season to ensure seniors had meals during the holiday season.

Over the last several years, Mark faced his dementia diagnosis with the support of his family. Mark would pass away at his home in Keizer, Oregon surrounded by his loving family. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Meals on Wheels.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Edwards Catholic Church on March 14, 2023 at 11 AM with a private inurnment at Lee Mission Cemetery following at 1:30 PM.