Obituary
Guest Book
1960
2013
Mark Joseph Chrestler, born February 27, 1960 in Saint Benoit La Foret, France passed away September 28, 2013 in Tacoma Washington of a massive stroke. He was just 53 years old. Mark grew up in a military family moving around Europe and the U.S. before his family settled in Spanaway, Washington in his later teens. In October of 1977, after taking his GED, Mark proudly enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he was a Maintenance Technician at Whidbey Island. Upon leaving active duty, Mark became a Security Officer with United Security here in Tacoma, Washington. It was there that he met and fell in love with his radio dispatcher. Two ½ years later they were married on an extremely hot September day. It was at that same time Mark used his skills acquired in the U.S. Navy to land a job at Boeing as a machinist, a career that spanned 27 years, until his death. Mark loved to camp, followed very enthusiastically auto racing and motorcross. But most of all he loved his Harley. He was a proud member of H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) and could be found on many a nice Saturday just "hanging" out at Destination Harley-Davidson, much to his wifes' chagrin.
Mark leaves behind his wife of 27 years, Penney Rose, 2 sons, Joshua and Jeremiah. His parents, Harry Joseph and Marie-Francoise Chrestler. A sister, Stephanie Hastings, a brother, Anthony Chrestler and 4 Nieces, Brittney Koorstad, Maegan Hess, Monique Geiger and Jeanette Lee as well as many other extended family members.
Mark's service will be at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 3315 S. 19th St. in Tacoma on Friday, Oct. 4th at 1 p.m. A coffee hour will follow to celebrate his life.
The family wishes to thank Powers Funeral Home for their care and the Gloria Dei Lutheran family for always being there for the Chrestler family through the years.
Mark's presence will be missed in his family, in our home, at Boeing, at Destination and in H.O.G. He left us far too soon. Ride safe hunny, there are no helmet laws in heaven.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
October 8, 2013
Kelly Fors
Marie, Harry and Stephanie - -- My condolences and shared grief at a life lost too early with so much more to contribute... You're in my heart...
Love, Kelly
October 5, 2013
Sherry Nomura
Penney,
My heartfelt condolences to you and your sons on the loss of your beloved Mark. Your face always lit up when you spoke of him.
October 3, 2013
Judith Chrestler
"Dear Joe,Francoise,Anthony,Stephanie, Megan, and Britney we are so sorry about Mark, but we know he is up there looking down at us and our prayers and thoughts are with all of you. We love you
Aunt Judy, Uncle Steve, and Bunny
October 3, 2013
Barbara Spangler
Dear Penny and family,
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Barbara Spangler /Betty Lou Anderson
October 3, 2013
Vickie Voda
Penny, I am so very sorry for the loss of Mark. He was a very special man and your relationship was filled with laughter and joy. I hope your memories of your life together will soften the hurt in the days and years to come.... Holding you and your family in my heart and prayers. Vickie
October 3, 2013
Mark and Rita Banzhof
The photo gallery says a lot. A record of a decent and honorable life of a good man. Your family has a great deal to remember and appreciate. It was a good life!
October 3, 2013
Mark's family, my heart goes out to you.Just remember the good times we all had together. Francoise , Joe, Stephanie and Anthony stay strong and take care of each other.Love, Claudine.
October 2, 2013
Jay Cowan
First off, my thoughts and prayers go out to Penney, Joshua, Jeremiah and the rest of Mark's Family.
As I think of My Friend, I remember over the years when I would roll in at the SHOP for a Chapter Ride, there was Mark to greet me. Always with a handshake and a hug. ( and a cigar if I didn't have one ) We would hang out before the ride, have a smoke and talk. Then we would get our bikes, usually stage near each other in the group, and off we would go. After the rides, if we had time, we would head down to the SPOT to finish the day with some food and a beverage of our choice. And more talk. We always had something to talk about. We solved a lot of the world's problems together.
Now, My Friend, My Brother In The Wind, Has Gone Ahead To Scout The Unknown Roads We Must All Ride Someday. ( He's Probably Not Wearing His Helmet )
I Do Have One Comfort, That When My Time Comes, And I Roll In, There Will Be Mark To Greet Me With A Handshake And A Hug. Thanks Mark.
Until Then, I Will Miss Our Times Together. Good Bye My Friend.
October 2, 2013
Jay Cowan
First off, my thoughts and prayers go out to Penney, Joshua, Jeremiah and the rest of Mark's Family.
As I think of My Friend, I remember over the years when I would roll in at the SHOP for a Chapter Ride, there was Mark to greet me. Always with a handshake and a hug. ( and a cigar if I didn't have one ) We would hang out before the ride, have a smoke and talk. Then we would get our bikes, usually stage near each other in the group, and off we would go. After the rides, if we had time, we would head down to the SPOT to finish the day with some food and a beverage of our choice. And more talk. We always had something to talk about. We solved a lot of the world's problems together.
Now, My Friend, My Brother In The Wind, Has Gone Ahead To Scout The Unknown Roads We Must All Ride Someday. ( He's Probably Not Wearing His Helmet )
I Do Have One Comfort, That When My Time Comes, And I Roll In, There Will Be Mark To Greet Me With A Handshake And A Hug. Thanks Mark.
Until Then, I Will Miss Our Times Together. Good Bye My Friend.
October 2, 2013
Bonnie
Family of Mark, even though I did not know him very well, I feel that I know his sister very well. You are all in my prayers.
October 2, 2013
Thank YOU for your service and for keeping our Country free. Wish we had more individuals who loved and cared enough for our Country that they would serve to keep our FREEDOM!!!
October 1, 2013
Linda Fergus
Ride with gusto Mark, with the wind, with never ending glee in the twisties and save a few curves and when we get there we will enjoy together!
October 1, 2013
Arne Shields
Gonna miss ya, bro. Ride fast, free and forever.
October 1, 2013
Brother Mark, Chris and I are gonna miss you a whole bunch! We know when we get to heaven you'll be there to greet us just like you did 6 years ago at Destination and take us on yet another "get to know the area" ride. We love you. Chris and Kristi Harrison
October 1, 2013
Cindy Linstead
To the family and friends of Mark, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. He will be missed greatly by us all. We never had the plesure of riding together, but we sure talked about our harleys. Rest in peace brother, enjoy the ride always.Miss you already . Cindy Linstead his boeing family.
October 1, 2013
Gary Schatz
RIP Ride it like you stole it. It's alwise sunny and you don't have to ware a helmet up there
October 1, 2013
Mike and Missy Morehart
As you ride your final ride into the sunset, know that you touched many people and that it was a pleasure to call you "friend."
October 1, 2013
Thomas Arrell
I am saddened by you leaving too soon. Ride on brother and help keep all the bikers safe from above. You will be missed BUT never forgotten.
October 1, 2013
Rest in peace Mark, so glad we had the pleasure of knowing you and riding with you. You will be greatly missed.
Larry & Judy Tilton
October 1, 2013
Tom Boyle
Sorry you had to go.. My prayers are with you and your family at this time. Rest in Peace.
October 1, 2013
Ken Metal
There are a lot of roads yet un ridden and you will get to ride them all.
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