Mark Mascho

Mark Hershel Mascho

1945 - 2019

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Obituary of Mark Hershel Mascho

Mark Hershel Mascho Jr. passed away peacefully at home with wife Mary by his side on December 30th, 2019, after a 7-year battle with esophageal cancer.

Mark is survived by his younger brother Michael Mascho; wife of 51 years, Mary Mascho; daughters: Marleen (Derek) Lucas, Donna (Brian) Hinkley, Jennifer (Cameron) Mascho; 8 grand-children: Nathaniel, Riley, Noah, Aria, Lauren, Adelia, Alyssa and Kaitlynn; plus numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents: Mark Hershel Mascho Sr. and Zadie Verneva Mascho (White); and siblings: James Marion Fuller, Mary (Joyce) Kelly, Johnny Sue Ingraham, Patsy (Pat) Lafratta; and daughter Christina Ruth Mascho.


Mark was born on December 13th, 1945, in Bastrop, LA, the 6th out of 7 children. Before the age of 1, his family relocated to Tacoma, Washington where he spent his childhood enjoying the outdoors. He attended, and played football for Wilson High School, graduating in 1964.

Mark enlisted in the U.S. Navy before graduating, and went into medical training. He traveled the world aboard the USS Enterprise (69), USS Ranger (71), USS John Rodgers (73), USS Tuscaloosa (77), and USS Valdez (79). While in the military, he was a Chief Petty Officer with the official rank of HMC (SW) USN. But the guys addressed him by his nickname "Moose."

While reluctantly driving an errand requested by his mother, Mark met the future love of his life Mary Jo Piper in 1967. Though they both attended Wilson High School a few years apart they have never met before until Mary's senior year. They married in September 20th, 1968 at Zion Lutheran Church in Tacoma, and enjoyed 51 happy years of marriage.

During their time together in the Navy, Mark and Mary got to explore America, being stationed at 5 Navy bases in 10 years. Whidbey Island, WA (Where their oldest Marleen was born in 1970), San Diego, CA (Donna born in 1976), Boston, MA (Jennifer born in 1979), Charleston SC, and Millington, TN, before finally retiring in 1984 after 22 years.

Mark and his family made their final move to University Place, WA. The Mascho family joined Mount Cross Lutheran Church in 1985, where Mark was active in bible studies, Choir, played guitar, and faith education. Sundays became a sacred family day where after church, they would often go to lunch before hitting the road on a long day trip, to destinations unknown (Canada, Oregon, beach, etc.), going where the Spirit led them.

Mark worked a short time at the VA hospital in American Lake, before accepting employment at the Pierce County Veterans Bureau. Mark served the county for 26 years, aiding thousands of local homeless and low-income Veterans until his retirement in 2011. After retirement, Mark and Mary were able to travel. Their two biggest trips were on a cruise to Alaska and visiting the Holy Land in Jerusalem with their Mount Cross friends.

Mark was a fan and developer of stories. He was proud of his collection of over 1400 DVDs and was himself an avid storyteller and speaker. He could always capture a room and sought to perfect his craft as a 20-year member of Toastmasters. He also enjoyed long-time membership in American Legion, Disabled American Veterans Life, and the VFW.

Mark is remembered for his quick humor and storytelling. He loved people deeply and strived to emulate Jesus’ love for others with his dedication to family, community service, Veterans causes, music and faith education.

To his siblings he was Hershel; to his wife: Mark; to his Navy buddies: Moose; and to his kids and grandkids: Dad, and Grandpa or Papa. We celebrate the life of Mark Hershel Mascho Jr. with joy; having had the blessing of his wit, wisdom and love, bless our lives for now and always.

Mark's Service of Worship was Saturday, February 15th, 2020, 11:00 a.m., at Mount Cross Lutheran Church. He was intermed with full honors at Tahoma National Cemetry on Tuesday, February 18th, 2020.

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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Edwards Memorial | Lakewood & Crematory