Mark Harrison Flowers

Mark was born on a dairy farm in Keokuk, IA, and was the sixth child of Russell Harrison “Harry” Flowers and Edna (Maurer) Flowers. The family moved west to Denver when Mark was about 8 years old. He went on to graduate from Denver North High School, and subsequently entered the U.S. Navy.

Mark spent much of his military vocation serving as an air traffic controller. Mark returned to Denver, and on a chance meeting at a young singles group at Emmaus Lutheran Church, Mark met Joan Van Gent. They were married in 1957, and celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary in September, 2023.

In 1962, Mark and Joan moved their now growing family to Longmont. Mark continued his work as an air traffic controller, and they bought a small acreage to build a home. Not only did Mark design the house, but he also built it with the help of Joan’s father, a carpenter, and a handful of tradesmen. Several outbuildings followed.

The property soon evolved into a small hobby farm, where Mark raised cows in his free time. He retired from the FAA in 1985.

Mark was a true Renaissance man. Never one to sit idle, he turned his attention to raising sheep. After that, he built his hay-stacking business to serve surrounding farmers and ranchers.

His hobbies extended well beyond cows and sheep, and included the odd pony, pig, and duck here and there. He enjoyed bowling, skiing, hunting, fishing, and camping. One summer on a family vacation, he bought a sailboat, learned to captain it, and taught the family sailing skills. In his later years, he enjoyed oil painting and gave many pieces to family members. He really enjoyed interacting with his grandchildren, whether attending sporting events or just having meaningful conversations.

Mark was a member of Faith Community Lutheran Church.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and four sisters. He is survived by his wife, Joan Flowers, of Longmont, children Joel Flowers and Nancy Flowers of Berthoud, Sharon (Flowers) and husband, Russell Dawn, of River Forest, Illinois, and Daniel Flowers and wife, Karen Flowers of Longmont. Grandchildren include Cody, Rachel, Jessica, Caleb, Rebekah, Bethany, and Meredith. Mark is also survived by seven great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Mark will be held Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Ahlberg Funeral Chapel, 326 Terry St., Longmont, Colorado 80501. An inurnment will occur Thursday, February 29, 2024 at 11:30 AM at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 4400 W. Kenyon Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80236.