Mark Stephen Kirste, 62, of Fresno, California, passed away on October 27, 2023 after an 18-year struggle with cancer. Mark Kirste was son of George and Betty Jo Kirste and is survived by his two siblings Joann Mueller and Drew Kirste. He leaves behind his wife of 42 years, Kim Kirste and his daughter Osa Martinez along with his son-in-law Nickolas Martinez. He will likewise be missed by his two grandchildren Nick and Nora Martinez who lovingly called him "Pa."
Mark was an employee of Fresno Unified School District for nearly 40 years. He was a janitor at Robinson Elementary for 9 1/2 years preceding his 30-year teaching career as a middle school life science teacher at Kings Canyon and Computech Middle Schools. His classroom was always full of life and the love of learning, and the home to many class pets such as snakes, rats, frogs, lizards, squirrels, and hissing cockroaches to name a few. It was also the home to a wide array of preserved specimens, skulls, pelts, and sometimes even scat all of which he collected over his decades in the profession. Mr. Kirste valued hands-on learning experiences and worked hard to inspire curiosity in his students' hearts and minds.
Those who knew him best remember his love of family, travel, photography, and a good book. He and Kim spent as much time as possible traveling to places like Australia, London, Paris, and Rome along with many places around the US. Mark always found something beautiful to take photos of on his trip. When he was home, he loved being a grandpa and played with his grandkids every week without fail. He was so proud to be "Pa."
Services will be held at Stephens and Bean Funeral Chapel on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. for all who would like to remember him.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stephensandbean.com for the Kirste family.
