Mark, age 65 of Colorado Springs, Colorado.
With immeasurable sadness and in absolute disbelief, we announce that Mark Motiff unexpectedly died after his big beautiful heart wore out, cardiac arrest, peacefully in his sleep at home, on March 4, 2023.
Mark was born on March 29, 1957 in Green Bay, WI. He is the fifth child of Jane Rosenhoover and the late Robert J. Motiff. He often referred to himself as the firstborn of the second half of their eight children.
He managed exceptionally well to get into the normal childhood mischief despite Mom’s every effort to “control” her growing brood of children. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. He enjoyed the friends he made with other kids in the neighborhood.
As a child he loved birds. Being too young to drive, he found a ride in order to bring home chicken eggs to put into an incubator until they hatched. In Green Bay, one hatchling was a rooster, Chirper, a feisty character. Mom would never go outside to hang laundry on the clotheslines because she was always a target of Chirper’s sometimes aggressive personality. Mom must have been tempted to serve a “chicken dinner” one night but never did. Mark was a bird whisperer. His father built a spacious chicken coop inside our big garage which also provided the necessary winter protection. We also had a family dog, Blackie.
In 1973 Mark’s parents relocated with the five youngest children to Colorado Springs, CO. His mother bought two horses who resided at their home property on Brady Rd. in Colorado Springs. What a fantastic new experience with animals for a ‘city kid.’ And, he continued to raise very young chickens.
Mark enjoyed a daily ride on his bicycle and/or a daily walk in the neighborhoods wherever he lived. Since retirement, Colorado mornings began with coffee and the newspaper which he and Mom discussed together on the phone while both were reading. He had two treasured cars, one being a 1962 Buick/Special Deluxe, another being Mom’s car, a 1995 Toyota Celica. Mark never allowed a car to get dirty. They were always sparkling clean, inside and out.
He had a green thumb when it came to planting and growing the most delicious tomato plants and rhubarb in his small garden. There were several fragrant purple lilac bushes to add vibrant color to his yard. He enjoyed growing groupings of flowers such as an Iris, a rose and tiger lilies. Tulips were planted in his front parkway.
Along with chickens, Mark enjoyed the many birds that lived in his yard. His many birdhouses contained active nests for wrens and robins; a hummingbird built its nest recently in one of his front yard trees. Visiting birds included chickadees, grosbeaks and other birds but never a cardinal that he loved.
Mark loved many musical genres of the 70s, 80s and 90s. He was almost like a walking, “singing radio” of a multitude of favorite songs. Many a night or during the day he listened to this music. It brought him innumerable great moments of joy. He also enjoyed monthly local wine tasting events with his “Community of Friends,” attending music events at Acacia Park, attending with Mom the luncheon organ performances by Tom O’Boyle at The City Auditorium. It might be mentioned that he was known to enjoy a good Manhattan, Brandy Old Fashioned or Margarita with one of his many “family groups.”
His education began in Green Bay at St. Jude Grade School and Premontre High School through his sophomore year. Mark thanked Mom numerous times during his lifetime for those Catholic school years. He graduated from General William Mitchell High School, Colorado Springs, in 1975, (he participated in the Explorer’s Medical Club where he found his passion for respiratory therapy), graduated from Colorado State University - Pueblo with a degree in Respiratory Therapy.
His long tenure with Penrose began in 1978 at the old St. Francis Hospital where he “washed the dishes” in the lab to help pay for his education. In 1980 he began working at Penrose Hospital as a Registered Respiratory Therapist where he continued until his retirement in August 2021. During those years he completed courses in “Practice of Supervision and Management” and “Managing The Marginal Employee.”
Mark was highly respected in the medical field by colleagues and patients alike for his medical knowledge, competency, integrity, compassionate bedside manner, kindness and incredible professionalism. He was a mentor and role model to many. He was recognized several times over the years by patients via a “Share a Compliment’ card frequently up until his retirement.
Above all, Mark would want you to know that he absolutely cherished his Journey of Life. He had an unforgettable hearty laugh He loved his Family, the Penrose family, his Neighborhood family (in his 99-year-old house). And his many, many other friends who composed yet another Friend family. When Mark made a friend, it was genuine and lifelong. He also made a point of keeping in touch with family and friends.
Mark gave generously and loyally of himself to all who knew him. He had a hilarious sense of humor. His was a life well lived. It’s amazing how each sibling lovingly referred to Mark as “my best friend.” Unbelievable! He wore his heart on his sleeve.
Mark was a true patriot and held an intense reverence for America and knowledge of its history. He was particularly politically savvy and an extremely intelligent citizen, proud to be an American.
Mom’s DNA is carried by all of her children for which we’re so grateful. Some were even blessed with a Gay variance in the DNA sequence. The Motiff family is extremely proud of our shared DNA, simply because it’s “our own.” And for that reason, we stand extremely strong with our heads held very high. Everyone is God’s child. Love is Love.
On Friday, March 4th, Mark’s last words to Mom, after enjoying the perfect Wisconsin-type walleye lunch at Culver’s, were preceded by a big hug for her and “I love you so much, Mom!”
Mark is preceded in death by his life partner, Dale Copenhaver; his father, Robert J. Motiff; his stepfather Charlie Rosenhoover; brothers-in-law, Ray Nystrom and Robert Regan and nephew, Robert J. Koller.
Mark will be deeply missed by his mother (Mark was her “rock”), Jane Rosenhoover of Colorado Springs, seven siblings, Michael (Terry) Motiff of Oregon, WI; Mary (Robert) Regan of Nashville, TN; Marsha (Paul) Zmuda of Colorado Springs, CO; Marlene (Thomas) Roome of Lakewood, CO; Molly Motiff (Ray Nystrom) of Morrison, CO; Matthew (Dale) Motiff of Colorado Springs, CO; Missy (Michelle LeCloux) Motiff of De Pere, WI and his brother-in-law Helmut Henzler, of Ulm, Germany.
Mark is further survived by Charlie’s children, Francis (Sheryl) Rosenhoover; Dennis (Joyce) Rosenhoover of Spokane, WA; Teresa Strode; Marie (Ken Vejr) Rosenhoover and Bernice Flores.
Mark also leaves behind nephews and nieces, Benjamin (Sarah) Motiff, their children: Myla, Macy and Martin; Patrick (Heather) Motiff, their children: Kaitlyn and Lauren; Alisha Zmuda (fiancé Daniel Hughes); Lindsay (Reese) Martin, their children Jackson and Walker; and Christopher Lucas and his daughter, Grace.
On Tuesday, March 14th, the family will be in the gathering area at 10:00 a.m., a Rosary will be said at 10:30 a.m., Mass of Christian Burial, celebrated by Rev. Rajeev will take place at 11 a.m. at St. Peter Catholic Church, Monument, CO. Friends and neighbors are invited to the luncheon in the Parish Ministry Center following the service. Private family inurnment of Mark will occur later this summer.
The family would like to thank the first responders: Colorado Springs Fire Department and Rescue; Colorado Springs Police Department and the El Paso County Coroner’s Office.
In addition, the family would like to extend a deep and very loving, heartfelt thank you to Ellis Family Services. Mark had a delightful friendship of many years with Kirk Ellis.
Mark would appreciate memorial contributions to
Attn: Michelle Swepston
Sisters of St. Francis
Associate Assistance
Penrose St. Francis Hospital Foundation
2222 N. Nevada Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO. 80907
In memory of Sister Myra James (that Mark was so fond of) and In Mark's memory as well.
Aiken Audubon Society
330 E Costilla St., Box 79
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
In Memory of Mark
Or a charity of your choice.
Folks who want to watch the livestream of Mark's service can go to the St Peter website: https://www.petertherock.org/ and click on the link there about 10 minutes prior. (It will not be up until then, thank you.) Folks can also go to Mark's Tribute Wall and click on the Funeral Home video 10 minutes prior to the service and then click on the link for the live streaming.
To plant a tree in memory of Mark R. Motiff, visit the Tribute Store.
14
Mar
55 North Jefferson Street
Monument, CO 80132
Time of gathering and visitation with the family.
14
Mar
55 North Jefferson Street
Monument, CO 80132
14
Mar
55 North Jefferson Street
Monument, CO 80132
There will be a lunch reception immediately following Mass in the Parish Ministry Center.
