NORA SPRINGS — Mark L. Van Lent, 59, of Nora Springs, a former Mason City and NIACC baseball standout, longtime technology professional and devoted husband, father and grandfather, died Monday, August 24, 2026, at his home while surrounded by family.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 29, at Faith Baptist Church, 1807 South Kentucky Avenue in Mason City, with Pastor Tim Moore officiating.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, August 28, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 North Pennsylvania Avenue in Mason City.
Mark will be laid to rest at Park Cemetery in Nora Springs following Saturday’s service.
In lieu of flowers, his family suggests contributions to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation or Mayo Clinic.
Mark was born October 16, 1966, in Mason City, the son of Theophil “Ted” and Rozena Theis Van Lent. The only boy among five children, he grew up alongside four sisters and developed a competitive spirit that would shine brightest on the baseball field.
A 1985 graduate of Mason City High School, Mark participated in football and became a standout baseball player. He once struck out 17 batters while pitching and established school records for triples and runs batted in that stood for approximately 20 years.
His abilities carried him to North Iowa Area Community College, where he continued playing baseball and built more memories on the diamond with teammates and friends. His connection to the program became another chapter in the history of Trojan baseball, which continues to grow as NIACC moves forward with major improvements to its baseball and softball facilities.
Mark later shared his knowledge and enthusiasm for sports by coaching baseball, softball and basketball for his children, Josh and Anna. Whether competing himself or supporting his children, sports remained an important part of his life.
After attending NIACC, Mark continued his education at Iowa State University, earning a degree in computer science. That education launched a long career built around technology, programming and problem-solving.
Mark spent 12 years working for Principal Financial Group in Des Moines. After his family returned to the Mason City area, he worked another 12 years as a software engineer for TeamQuest in Clear Lake. He completed his career at Curries in Mason City, where he worked as a programmer analyst for 10 years.
Away from work, Mark was rarely far from sports. He enjoyed watching nearly any game he could find, attending Iowa State football games, golfing with friends and heading out on fishing trips.
He also enjoyed card games, although those playing with him needed to stay alert: Mark was known to change the rules as the game went along, usually to provoke laughter. His humor and ability to keep others entertained meant there was seldom a dull moment when he was present.
Mark’s greatest devotion was reserved for his family. He and his wife, Annette, shared 36 years of marriage and raised their son, Josh, and daughter, Anna.
The final 17 months of Mark’s life brought the special joy of becoming a grandfather. He treasured every opportunity to hold, adore and spend time with his granddaughter, Violet Van Lent.
Mark spent the final 7½ years of his life battling multiple myeloma. The long fight brought difficult questions, but it also strengthened his appreciation for love, relationships and faith.
As the years passed, Mark came to see his illness as a lesson in trusting God’s will, loving others wholeheartedly and valuing the people placed in his life. His Christian faith became an increasingly important source of strength, and he hoped to share with others the message of Jesus Christ and eternal salvation.
Mark and his family were especially grateful to his parents-in-law, Harold and Sandy Pippert, who regularly helped transport him to medical appointments in Rochester when Annette was unable to accompany him.
Those left to cherish Mark’s memory include his wife, Annette; son, Josh and his wife, Lexie; daughter, Anna and Tavin Despenas; granddaughter, Violet Van Lent; mother, Rozena Van Lent; and parents-in-law, Harold and Sandy Pippert.
His surviving family also includes Lisa and Dave Ebel, Julie and Don Caspers, Vicki and Myron Schluter, Rich Schuckman, Heather and Mark Mathre, Jason and Angie Pippert, and Jennifer and Thad Stiles.
Mark’s surviving nieces and nephews include Todd and Julie Caspers, Heather Caspers, Derek and Kristin Ebel, Dalton and Amy Ebel, Rachel and Aaron Lock, Matt and Melanie Schluter, Jared Schuckman, Tasha Schuckman, Erik and Sadee Mathre, Lindsay and Colton Hansen, Ella Pippert, Abby Pippert, Jill Pippert, Will Fingalsen, James Fingalsen and Andrew Fingalsen.
He also leaves five great-nieces, two great-nephews, another great-niece or great-nephew on the way, and many extended family members.
Mark maintained lifelong friendships with a close group of high school friends whom he considered brothers: Jim Udelhofen, Joe DeRock, Mike Smith, Steve Stokesbary, Eric Losen and John Heyer.
He was preceded in death by his father, Theophil “Ted” Van Lent; sister, Dina Schuckman; and nephew, Barak Fingalsen.
Mark will be remembered across North Iowa for his accomplishments on the baseball field, his years of professional service, his quick sense of humor and, most importantly, the love and faith he shared with his family and friends.
Major Erickson Funeral Home and Crematory is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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