Mark F. Kline

Mark was born on November 21, 1950 in Delaware County in northeast Iowa and lived his first 18years in Dundee, on the banks of the Maquoketa River, next to the Chicago Great Western railroad line. He loved the river and never got tired of the old trains passing by at night. The small town people were kind, friendly and honest. He was very lucky to have grown up with them and have their support.

He loved school and spent summers working for his Dad or at day jobs working on local farms. Three summers were spent working at Backbone State Park, Iowa’s oldest and most beautiful State park. He learned hard from Floyd, his father, and the love of travel from his Mother, Ellan. They were both fine, gentle people that taught him right from wrong, to always admit a mistake and never to take advantage of people. Because of the, he was able to see America from shore to shore before there were interstate highways that bypassed all the interesting small towns across America. They taught him to put trust in the hands of God and to always think of ways to help other people. He loved his family.

At eighteen he left home to attend Iowa State University where he earned a degree in Landscape Architecture, and drank a few beers. He loved college and always loved to experience new ideas. He especially loved to travel the world and meet new people to learn how they lived their lives. He traveled to Europe, North Africa, South America and Central America. He loved history and the wonderful architecture of other countries.

He moved to Davenport after college and spent his entire career in the landscape design business. He was responsible for tens of thousands of trees, shrubs and flowers being planted during the 36 years of his career. He was very grateful to have had thousands of clients over those years. He was happiest working with his clients in solving their problems and making their homes beautiful. His clients were a source of great happiness as were the professional crews who completed his designs.

His dearest friend and wife, Carol, stuck with him through thick and thin and was always there to support him. She was a hard-working, loving wife. He really loved her and life would not have been the same without her. They enjoyed sitting on their deck on a Friday night listening to music or traveling around the world to places like Morocco or the mountains of Peru. Mark proposed to her at midnight in the French Quarter of New Orleans with New Years Eve fireworks exploding over the Mississippi River. She said yes!

The Kline family is close. Mark’s son, Garrison was the most important addition to his life. Garrison is educated, kind, honest and gives back to help other people in need, Mark loved his son’s travel stories and intelligence. Being his father was wonderful.

Mark was given a second life on October 30, 2002 when his caring friend, Dan Stahl gave him a kidney and the opportunity to appreciate and live every day that was given to him after the transplant.

He loved cars and owned several old cars and motorcycles over the years, but loved his 1970 Porsche 911 the best and drove it for over 22 years. He loved WWII history and the music of the Delta Blues. Playing his guitar every day helped him during his three year battles with cancer. Thanks to Mississippi John Hurt and the artists who loved him and learned his fine and happy style of music. Mark also loved the Cubs and Packers.

Mark received great support and kindness from his and his wife’s family.

Mark said before he died he had two more drinks he wanted to try. We always wondered what those drinks could be. It was a cold glass of water and a cup of tea.

Those left to honor his memory are his wife, Carol; son, Garrison Kline, Madison, WI; mother, Ellan Kline; sister, Judy (Larry) Foote; brother, Doug (Fran) Kline; sister, Renee’ (Jeff) Kohnenm all of Davenport; mother-in-law, Jane Anthony, Dyersville, IA; brother-in-law, Tom (Jolene Steffensmeier) Anthony, Farley, IA; sister-in-law, Lynn Anthony (Michael Lazere), Ames, IA and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mark was preceded in death by his father, Floyd Kline and his father-in-law, Charles Anthony.

Mark donated his body to the University of Iowa to help others learn.

On Saturday, September 3, 2011, the family will greet friends from 9:30 am to 11:00 am at Zion Lutheran Church in Davenport with services following at 11:00 am. Memorials may be made to the Food Bank at Zion Lutheran Church.