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Tuesday, July 19, 2022
Mark D. Pillard
Age: 52
City: Coggon
Funeral Home
Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service
Tuesday, July 19, 2022
Mark D. Pillard
Mark D. Pillard
Coggon
Mark D. Pillard, 52, of Coggon, Iowa, passed away from a sudden illness on Thursday, July 14, 2022.
Mark was born on Sept. 24, 1969, in Manchester, Iowa, the son of Elwin and Maxine (Falconer) Pillard. He graduated from Central City High School before becoming a heavy equipment operator.
Mark was truly a kid at heart.
The most important things to Mark were ice-cold Pepsi, riding quads, the Marvel Universe, English Springer Spaniels, bad Hair 80’s music, ice fishing and his nieces/nephews (greats).
No matter the weather forecast, he was willing and ready for a ride. He enjoyed ATV trips to Utah and other destinations. He constantly pushed the edge of what his quad could do. He enjoyed his weekends “water dogging” with friends/family, and his QA Boyz. “Pillard” was in charge of documenting all the biggest thrills, jumps and spills.
It was his mission that his nieces' and nephews’ first word be Honda. Mark loved to take the little ones for rides, all the while teaching them life lessons such as “no belt slippers allowed.” He taught them how to bait a hook with whatever he had and, most importantly, he taught them to be strong, confident, and have no regrets.
Mark is survived and lovingly remembered by his family: son, Logan Pillard; siblings, Kenny (Roz) Pillard, Dean (Mary) Pillard, Sue (Ron) Fleming, Ann (Doug) Peyton and Jan (Tom) Heims; nieces and nephews, Kyle (Kristi) Pillard, Kali (Jed) Meeker, Kyann (Mark) Banghart, Dustin (Kendra) Pillard, Deana Pillard, Alissa (Jamie) Gray, Tyrone (Shannon) Power, Nathan (Judith) Power, Whitney (Nic) Ungs, Levi Peyton and Gwen Guilford; and the great-nieces/nephews who were his pride and joy.
Mark would say he was no one important but he played an important role in the lives of everyone in his family. He lived a simple life and did things the way he wanted. His motto which has been parroted by family. “Go Fast, Take Chances.”
In his memory a “Private Putt” will be held in his honor.
Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Marion is assisting the family.
Please share a memory of Mark at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.

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