Mark R. Wiitanen

Mark R. Wiitanen, 61, passed away Monday, April 15, 2024 with loved ones by his side at the David Simpson Hospice House of the Western Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio.

Mark was born September 21, 1962 in Ashtabula, Ohio to parents, Jack R. “Dik” Wiitanen and Donna L. (Miller) Wiitanen. A proud 1980 Harbor High School graduate, Mark “Wheats” Wiitanen enjoyed football, wrestling and track throughout his school years.

Mark was married to Patty (Tiitto) Wiitanen on September 29,1984 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Ashtabula, Ohio. They enjoyed many wonderful vacations and camping trips together, exploring destinations such as Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Niagara Falls and Las Vegas. He was a devoted and loving husband to his wife of 39 years.

Mark served in the U.S. Navy from 1984-1988. He served aboard the USS Nimitz and was attached to squadron VAW-124. He received two sea service ribbons and had many great memories of being out at sea with his shipmates and exploring Egypt, Turkey, Italy and France. Later in life, he was employed at S.G. Morris in Highland Heights, Ohio where he was a shipping and receiving clerk.

Mark was a talented musician playing drums, guitar and singing in rock bands throughout his life. Drums were his most loved instrument. Mark was a long time member of Cornerstone Friends Church in Madison, Ohio where he was a drummer in their praise band, a member of their worship team and briefly, a worship leader. Mark was a creative individual who enjoyed woodworking, collecting beach glass and designing jewelry with his wife. His passions also included refurbishing and collecting drums and vintage Japanese guitars.

He is survived by his loving wife, Patty Wiitanen; children, Aimee (Derron) Magic, Heather (Juan) Palinkas-Nunez and Alex (Amanda Lanzalaco) Wiitanen; grandchildren, Vincent Ash, Maxx, Logan, and Declan Magic, Lilliana and Violet Palinkas, Janessa and Carmen Nunez, Roman Wiitanen; sisters, Sue (Mike) Benedict and Lisa (Sal) Lopez; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack R. “Dik” Wiitanen and Donna L. Wiitanen.

Mark was a faithful believer in Jesus Christ. He passed away peacefully with the confidence in 2 Corinthians 5:8, “So we are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”

A service to honor Mark’s life will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Potti Funeral Home and Cremation Service,1329 Lake Avenue, Ashtabula, Ohio. Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with service starting at 1:00 p.m., followed by burial in Ridgeview Cemetery, 7205 Austinburg Road, Ashtabula, Ohio.

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