MARK HUBER

Mark Steven Huber, 65, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, passed away peacefully in his sleep of a heart attack February 6, 2024. Mark was born November 2,1958, to Ruben and Arlene (Kracht) Huber in Wagner. Memorial services will be held May 31, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Lake Andes. https:// www.schradercares.com/obituaries/ mark-huber Mark graduated from Andes Central High School in 1977. He continued his education at the School of Mines in Rapid City, South Dakota, earning a bachelor's degree in civil engineering in 1981 and later obtaining a master's degree in engineering.

During his high school years, he set track records in the 1-mile, 2-mile and medley runs and set the 1-mile state record in 1977 at 4 min. 24 seconds. He was a member of the 1973 VFW Teeners State B Baseball Championship Team.

He was a leader on the School of Mines track and cross-country teams and established school records in the 1500m run (3:55.34) in 1979 and the 5000m (14:24.80) and the 10,000m (31:51.84) in 1981. He was the South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference 5000m and 10,000m champion in 1981 and Mark was inducted into the South Dakota School of Mines Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008.

Mark and his college teammates received the Governor’s Award of Valor from Governor Bill Janklow for their heroic efforts in safely rescuing a family whose car had rolled down a steep embankment in the mountains of Colorado. Mark’s beloved coach and mentor, Jack Hunter, led the rescue and later discovered that the 7-year-old boy, who was expertly moved up the steep embankment via a rigged up bodyboard made of floor mats and belts, survived a broken leg and a broken neck.

Mark began his career in Bremerton, Washington, where he served as an engineer at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyards. He later played a pivotal role as a forerunner in GPS technology, being among the earliest individuals trained to utilize GPS for locating oil reserves, initially in Wyoming and later in the Gulf of Mexico. Next Mark embraced the open road, spending years traversing the country behind the wheel of his 18-wheeler and later hauling for the oil industry, first in Texas and eventually settling in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Mark set the tone for adventure and athleticism in the family. The many family triathlon teams were most competitive when he was the designated runner. He cared deeply about big things, he loved to play, to laugh and to be in the moment. He loved to run marathons, fish, camp, golf, ski, snowboard, bike ride and his risk taking included a few close calls such as losing his fingernails to break a rock-climbing fall and getting caught in a storm in his kayak on the Pacific Ocean. He was a postcard uncle which included aggressive sledding on the hill near Fort Randall Dam in Pickstown, almost running a sailboat ashore at Lake Okoboji with Tyler and secretly allowing Michael to drive his Eagle Talon. He once built a makeshift tennis net out of rugs and ropes.

His nieces describe him as an agent out in the world reporting back about beaches, mountains and open wild places.

As an active church leader, mentor and lay pastor, he served as a witness to his deep Christian faith to everyone in each of his church communities.

Mark will be fondly remembered for his kindness, intellect and unwavering dedication to his friends and family. He leaves behind a legacy of his Christian faith, integrity, perseverance and love that will continue to inspire those who knew him.

He is survived by his five siblings Pam Heston (Alan), Ft. Worth TX, Scott Huber (Mary Dold), Sandra (Tom) Henry, Jerry Huber, all of Sioux Falls and Cindy Huber Reynders, Duluth MN; nephews- Tyler (Laurie) Leonard, Bloomington, MN; Michael (Kayli) Leonard, Sioux Falls; nieces- Brooke Leonard, Sioux Falls, Erin (Andy) Kreeger, Duluth, MN, Lauren Reynders, Rock Springs, WY and Brittany (Matt) James, Rapid City. grand nieces and nephews-Raena Brendtro, Grace Leonard, Blake and Jack Moeckly, Lewis and Howard Leonard, Arden Kreeger, Emmery and Etta James, and Maya Leonard and his faith community, many cousins and their extended families.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents Ruben and Arlene (Kracht) Huber.