Mark Thomas Kirkpatrick

September 1, 1967 – December 9, 2025

Mark Thomas Kirkpatrick, 58, of Sioux City, IA, passed away surrounded by his family on December 9, 2025. A celebration of his life will be held Friday, December 19 from 5-8:00 p.m. at Country Celebrations. 5606 Hamilton Blvd., Sioux City, IA. Burial will be at Logan Park Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City.

Mark was born on September 1, 1967, in Sioux City, IA to James and Mary (Hodgins) Kirkpatrick. He graduated from South Sioux City High School in 1986 and married his high school sweetheart, Gayle Kelly on August 20, 1988. Their love was reflected most in their 3 children: Alison, Abbie, and Adam. He was immensely proud that his legacy of service lived on through his children: Abbie and Adam who both followed in his footsteps in law enforcement, and Alison who dedicated her career to nursing. Mark served a police officer with the Sioux City Police Department for 32 years, before retiring as a Captain in 2023. While with the police department he succeeded in many roles. Some of these accomplishments included being a SWAT Team commander, member of the DEA task force, and working as a school resource officer.

Mark was diagnosis with ALS in January of 2024. Immediately following his diagnosis, he began his most courageous fight yet. He did it with his whole heart and tremendous bravery until his body was ready to rest. Now, he is finally free to talk, run, sing, eat, and breathe with ease once more. He left this earth on his own terms and exactly as he wished—peacefully, dignified and with a heart full of the memories of a lifetime. Mark will always be remembered for his adventurous spirit—a quality that defined him throughout his life. He approached every new experience with enthusiasm, never hesitating to try anything that offered an adrenaline rush. Brilliant and endlessly curious, Mark devoted himself to learning. If something sparked his interest, he researched it deeply and taught himself everything he could.

Above all else, Mark loved his family. He was often the steady presence others turned to, the rock who offered unwavering support. His greatest joy came from his grandchildren—Payton, Hudson, and Collins—and his honorary grandchildren, Addie and Hayden. They were the light of his life and the inspiration that helped him push through the most difficult days of his ALS journey.

Mark also held a profound love for astronomy and the night sky. He immersed himself in studying the stars and collected every gadget he could to explore the galaxies. His passion for the universe was a constant source of wonder and joy. For those who knew and loved him, Mark is now the brightest star in the sky—guiding, watching over, and shining on in the hearts of all who grieve his passing.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife of 37 years, Gayle Kirkpatrick; children: Alison (Evan) Spindler, Abbie (Megan) Kirkpatrick, and Adam (Kyla Cunningham) Kirkpatrick; grandkids: Payton and Hudson Spindler and Collins Kirkpatrick; dad, Jim Kirkpatrick and mom, Mary (Steve) Anderson; siblings: Krisi (Jake) Sponder, Robert (Amy) Kirkpatrick, Katie (Austin) Gibson, several brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his step-mom, Judy Kirkpatrick; cousins: Brian Hodgins and Pam Culbertson; and father and mother-in-law: Warren “Pete” and Mildred Kelly.

The celebration will be a very casual gathering to remember the life of Mark – with food, drinks, and stories. Friends and family can wear their Kirkpatrick Strong clothing and are encouraged to share some of their fondest memories of him. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Care Initiatives Hospice for their compassionate care and support.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Kirkpatrick family.