Mark Lanz

Mark Lanz, 61, passed peacefully at his home Saturday April 9, 2016 with his family by his side, after a valiant fight with cancer.

Mark was born January 8, 1955 to Harry and Georgia (Stone) Lanz at the county hospital in Hot Springs. He was raised, lived and passed on the family farm at Eddy Flats. Mark was the youngest of three children and a graduate of Thompson Falls High School.

Mark grew up living off the land and as a child, worked together with his family producing and selling vegetables, fruit, milk, eggs and meat. He was a man of the soil, a hardworking farmer who appreciated nature, and every year grew an incredible garden, with his dog Pepper by his side. Mark also loved to play horseshoes with friends and family and could be counted on to rally up a tournament at get-togethers. He threw a good shoe, his nephews always said. Mark loved to make and share with family and friends his homemade mustard, salsa and Kim chi. Mark was full of energy, always had a smile on his face, enjoyed making others laugh, and his silly, witty comments could lighten any occasion. Marks generous, selfless, loving spirit was most evident in his devotion to his wife Carol.

Mark started working right out of high school at the Flodin Lumber Company and remained there for 28 years. He and Carol also owned and operated Fruitland Acres nursery for over 16 years. Later, he worked "on the road" with Pavlik Electric.

Mark is survived by his wife of 34 years, Carol Lanz; sons Shay Lanz and Sheldon Lanz of Thompson Falls; brother, Paul (Theresa) Lanz of Thompson Falls; sister, Karen Lanz (Larry Kirkpatrick) of Bozeman; sister-in-law, Donna (Paul) DeLong; brothers-in-law, Kirk (Margie) Bay and Kim Bay of Thompson Falls; nieces, Paula (Russ) Hanks, Susan (Scott) Mercer, Leah (Shawn) Sorenson, Lana Greenough, Courtney (Jody) Doyle; and nephews, Brad (Crystal) Lanz, Alan (Jennifer) McCollim, Lonny Greenough and Landon Greenough.

A memorial service will be held at the Thompson Falls High School gym Saturday, April 30 at 2 p.m. Cards and wishes can be sent to 9 Lanz Lane, Thompson Falls, MT 59873.

Service Information Memorial Service Saturday April 30, 2016 2:00 PM to 2:00 PM Thompson Falls High School Gymnasium 601 Golf Street Thompson Falls , MT 59873