Mark Richard Unekis
May 30, 1992 ~ May 4, 2025
Mark R. Unekis, 32, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, after a long-time struggle with mental illness.
A Visitation will be held with family present from 2-3:30 p.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025 at Ransom Church in Sioux Falls. A Memorial Service will be held at 3:30pm. A Time of Sharing with light refreshments will be held after the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to places that Mark held close to his heart: 5th Street Clubhouse at Southeastern Directions for Life, or the Cattitude Café in Sioux Falls.
Mark was born in Des Moines, IA, on May 30, 1992, and spent his early childhood years in Newton, IA. In 1999, the family moved to Rock Rapids, where Mark was involved in taekwondo, theater, wrestling, and cross county. He graduated from Central Lyon High School in 2011 and attended South Dakota State University as an Honors student.
Mark was known for his quick, witty remarks. He was always ready with a joke, even if it made you roll your eyes. He was also known for his spot-on impersonations, whether it be of Billy Mayes of Oxi-Clean, Scott Stapp of Creed, or a teacher with particular idiosyncrasies. If you needed a random fun fact, a quote from The Office, or the Rotten Tomatoes score on any given film, Mark would have them at the ready.
Mark returned to South Dakota State University and was actively pursuing a degree in Psychology. Outside of school, he kept active by taking guitar lessons, frequently visiting the Cattitude Café downtown, and traveling around the area to do karaoke with his friends. Mark was a client of Southeastern Directions for Life and took full advantage of their 5th Street Clubhouse program, which he attended daily. He developed many friendships there and always enjoyed playing games with other clients, participating in their music sharing days, and going on their field trips around the state.
Mark cherished his close relationships with family and friends. He was intentional about staying in touch with out-of-state family and checking in on them. Mark loved to have long conversations, with topics spanning from early 2000’s music, and silly things he did as a kid, to politics, philosophy, and the family cats. He will be remembered for his unconditional acceptance of others, incredible empathy, and quick wit.
Mark is survived by his mother, Patrice A. Unekis, Rock Rapids, IA; father, James Unekis, Oakland, MD; sister, Rachel (Greg) Poches, Newaygo, MI; brother, Daniel (Kari) Bechtel-Unekis, Holland, MI; aunts and uncles, Kama Jongerius (Steve DeYoung), Tim (Ruth) Jongerius), John (Valerie) Unekis, and Ann (Wayne) Dumonchelle; and several cousins.
Mark was preceded in death by his grandparents, Richard and Elaine Unekis, and Willis and Edna Jongerius.
Mark was a great person and friend. He will be missed by many. I will miss our trips to the cat cafe and seeing you at clubhouse everyday. Mark will never be forgotten he will always be in my heart. Prayers to his family and friends as they go through this sad time.
My wife and I had a passing relationship with Mark at the Catitude. We would see him Saturday mornings.
A gentle spirit who absorbed the cats. He observed with delight the different attitudes of the cats.
Forever missed Mark!