Mark McDermott

Mark Edward McDermott, a man of deep faith and unwavering dedication, peacefully passed away on January 11, 2024, at his home.

Mark lived his life according to the teachings of the Church, including the Corporal Works of Mercy, one of which is to bury the dead, a testament to the belief in the resurrection of the body and life everlasting.  On Friday, July 11, Mark will be remembered at 9:00 am Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church in DeWitt, a parish he loved.  Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

Mark was born July 11, 1954, in Clinton, Iowa, to Patrick and Mary (Cain) McDermott. On July 7, 1978, he entered into holy matrimony with Debra Burke at Sacred Heart in Lost Nation, Iowa.

Mark was a humble and quiet man, living his life in accordance with his strong faith. He embodied the virtues of joy in hope, patience in affliction, and faithfulness in prayer, modeling his life after St. Joseph. He graduated from Delwood High School in Elwood, and Kirkwood College in Cedar Rapids. Mark spent his career in agriculture, working for Standard Oil, Jack Seeser, BRT, and Merschman Fertilizer.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Debra McDermott, children, Eric (Bo) McDermott of Bloomington, Indiana, John McDermott of Davenport, and David (Cassie) McDermott of Calamus; grandchildren, Levi and Emma McDermott; siblings, Barbara (Dan) Balik, Mike (Colleen) McDermott, Patricia (Mark) Smith, Raymond McDermott, Marty (Anne) McDermott, Angela (Dave) Mattke, Madonna McDermott, Dennis (Linda) McDermott, Julie (Steve) Kinrade, Jim (Deanna) McDermott, Regina (Brad) Randall, and sisters-in-law, Colleen Burke and Janet Burke; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, his infant brother David, and his parents-in-law, Ramon and Crystal Burke, sister-in-law, Margie McDermott, and brother-in-law, Dennis Burke.

In a final act of generosity, Mark has donated his body to the University of Iowa for the advancement of knowledge and science. A burial service will be held at a later date.

Pallbearers will be Eric, John, and David McDermott, Mike McDermott, Madonna McDermott, and Greg Tigges. Honorary pallbearers will be godchildren, Stephanie Luttrell, Emily Jones, Mitchell McDermott, and Isaac Kinrade.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph Catholic School, the Referral Center, or Genesis Hospice.

Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. Condolences may be expressed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com

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