Mark Anthony Van Bueren

Mordecai ben Nechama מרדכי בן נחמה “Mark, Son of Natalie”

Mark A. Van Bueren, a long-time resident of Colorado Springs, Colorado passed away on August 28, 2024, entering into rest at the age of 61. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky on February 8, 1963 to the late James W. Smith of Dante, Virginia and Natalie Van Bueren of London, England. Mark was a beloved husband to Elizabeth (Jirikils) Van Bueren with whom he shared 39 years with.

Mark grew up in Anaheim, California with his mother, Natalie Van Bueren, and sisters Rebecca (Van Bueren) Young and Laura (Van Bueren) DePerry. He spent his childhood together with his Aunt Helen Buff, Uncle Larry Buff and cousins Michael Buff and Hilary Buff as a close knit family. He was involved in Temple Beth Emet having a Bar Mitzvah; achieving rank of Eagle Scout; avid gardener; football player; and participated in student council at Loara High School. Mark went on to graduate from California State University, Fullerton Class of 1987 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, emphasis in Accounting. Mark participated in his fraternity Sigma Alpha Mu where he started dating Elizabeth. They were married at Temple Beth Emet in Anaheim, CA on September 24, 1989.

Mark went on to work for Stone Container in City of Industry, CA while attending University of Phoenix to complete his Master’s in Business Administration. During that time, Mark grew his family, having three children; Jacob Van Bueren, Jessica (Van Bueren) Papp, and Daniel Van Bueren. In May of 1998, Mark and his family moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado where he and Elizabeth had their fourth child, Jennifer (Van Bueren) Castaneda. While in Colorado, Mark worked for his brother’s (Brian Smith) company MagniSight, and then eventually worked at Lindsay Precast.

He enjoyed volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America, where Mark is proud of his two son’s achieving the rank of Eagle. He also volunteered with the board of Temple Beit Torah Brotherhood and Project Angel Heart. Mark was an avid sports enthusiast of the Denver Broncos, Colorado Avalanche, and Anaheim Angels. Mark especially loved summer camping trips with the family, exploring many of the United States National Parks. Mark’s love for the outdoors grew into founding a Venture Crew helping Jacob, Jessica, and Jennifer achieve the Silver award, hiking fourteeners, and backpacking at Philmont Scout Ranch not only once, but twice.

Mark is survived by his loving and devoted spouse and four children; Elizabeth Van Bueren, Jacob (Macie) Van Bueren, Jessica (Evan) Papp, Daniel Van Bueren, and Jennifer (Robert Jude) Castaneda; his two grandchildren Charlotte Papp and Keegan Van Bueren. Mark is also survived by his four siblings; Brian Smith, Jeffrey (Marcie) Smith, Rebecca Young, and Laura (Paul) DePerry along with numerous extended family, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is survived by his three half siblings; Scott (Christine) Smith, Craig (Tammy) Smith, and Susan (Patrick) Dennison. He is survived by his Uncle Larry Buff, his in-laws Jorge and Susana Jirikils, his brother in-laws; Steve (Debbie) Jirikils, and Ed (Misty) Jirikils.

Mark was predeceased by his mother, Natalie Van Bueren, his father, James W. Smith, his Aunt, Helen Buff and his Uncle, Sydney Van Bueren.

The family would like to thank the staff at UCHealth Memorial, Kindred Hospital, PAM Health, and Pikes Peak Hospice for all the care they provided to Mark over the last 21 months.

Arrangements are private at the request of Mark’s family.

Immortality

Do not stand by my grave and weep,

I am not there, I do not sleep,

I am a thousand winds that blow,

I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awake in the morning’s hush

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circling flight.

I am the soft star which shines at night.

Do not stand by my grave and cry,

I am not there, I did not die.