May 31, 1961 – February 17, 2025
On February 17, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones, Mark Gabriel Martin peacefully passed away at the age of 63 after courageously battling cancer. Holding his hands in his final moments were his wife of 35 years, Vickie (Ciavarelli) Martin, and his beloved granddaughter, Ella Marie Martin-Hertzel. Also present were his two sons and his loyal miniature dachshund, Ruby.
Mark was born on May 31, 1961, to Loretta and David Martin. The youngest son of four children, he spent his early years moving frequently before settling in the Chicago area, where he developed a lifelong passion for the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs. This love was so profound that he named his youngest son after a former Chicago Bears player. At age 17, following his father’s passing, Mark returned to his birthplace of Mason City, Iowa. There, he met the love of his life, Vickie Ciavarelli. The two were married on May 12, 1990, in Plymouth, Iowa, and shared a bond that was unbreakable, rarely spending time apart.
Together, Mark and Vickie raised three sons: Jordan Dean Ciavarelli, Landon Gabriel Martin, and Payton Errol Martin. Family was Mark’s greatest pride, and his role as “Papa” brought him immense joy. Despite life’s challenges, including two battles with cancer, Mark’s resilience shone through. After his second victory over the disease, he returned to school and proudly completed his bachelor’s degree in Human Resources from North Iowa Community College.
Mark’s loyalty extended beyond family to his cherished sports teams—the Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, and the Iowa Hawkeyes. He enjoyed sharing this passion with those around him, leaving lasting memories of cheering on his favorite teams.
He is survived by his loving wife, Vickie Martin; his sons:
– Jordan Ciavarelli (Jordan Bishop) and their children, Ivey and Jaxton;
– Landon Martin (Lisa Schaer) and Landon’s daughter, Ella Martin-Hertzel;
– Payton Martin.
He is also survived by his sister Cathy Mezo (Derek) and their son Greyson; his brother Larry Hartema and Larry’s children, Jeremy Hartema and Ashley (Hartema) Hayden; and his niece Heather Hartema, daughter of his late brother David Hartema.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Loretta and David Martin; brother, David Hartema; beloved dogs, Scruffy, Urlacher, Cooper; and grand-cat, O’Malley.
A **Celebration of Life** will be held on **Friday, February 28, at 2:00 PM** at the **Salvation Army in Mason City**. Family and friends are invited to honor Mark’s legacy by wearing Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, Iowa Hawkeyes gear, or the Bears’ signature orange and blue colors.
Mark’s kindness, resilience, and unwavering love for his family and friends will be deeply missed by all who knew him.