ark Edward Puetz, 51, was born on July 27, 1966 in Columbus, Ohio to Arthur and Phyllis Puetz. He passed away on January 31, 2018 in Dunedin, Florida.
Family
Mark is survived by his parents, Arthur and Phyllis; his fiance of 10 years, Kimberly Mills of Dunedin, Florida; sister Kimberly (Bryan) Myer of Atlanta, Georgia and many other relatives and friends.
Military
Mark served in the United States Marine Corps and was honorably discharged in 1991 as a Sergeant. At the time of his discharge he was entitled to wear the National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and his designation as an expert rifleman and pistol on his uniform.
Life
Growing up Mark was an Eagle Scout. He earned his B.A. from The Ohio State University in 1990. Mark then earned his MBA from the University of South Florida in 1999. In 2003, Mark worked for the Special Services Group and later advanced to the second highest ranking position of Director of Risk Management and Professional Standards within Critical Intervention Services.
Mark became one of the cornerstones for the professional standards established at Critical Intervention Services/KKP Security Group and authored the 2009 Standard Operations Procedure Manual that set an industry standard. Mark also loved music and the outdoors. He really enjoyed camping and being on the water in his kayak.
Services
A graveside service with military honors presented by the United States Marine Corps and Marine Corps League Detachment 54 is scheduled for Monday, February 12, 2018 at 12:45 pm at Bay Pines National Cemetery. All guests planning on attending should arrive at 12:15 pm.
Special Acknowledgements
In lieu of flowers the family has asked that any memorial contributions be made to the Semper Fi Fund, Brothers in Arms Foundation, or the American Cancer Society.
Friends, family, and those who served with Mark are invited to share a memory and sign his guestbook below.
We were One. I love you so much and am grateful for these last 10 years of my life with you. You brought me out of my comfort zone to try camping and kayaking and other adventures. You amazed me with your intellect. Above all, you believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. I wanted to grow old with you, but I’m blessed to have been there for you when you needed me most. Your suffering has ended and I’m relieved. Learning to move on without you by my side won’t be easy at first. Just know that as long as I live, you live on with me in my heart and memories. I promise to keep coming out of my comfort zone and live fully. Our “kids” and I miss you. Be with God and at peace, my love.
Mark and I grew up together from elementary school until high school graduation. Band, Boy Scouts, Chess team, we were fellow nerds navigating the 70’s and 80’s. One of the most intelligent, most creative and honorable people I’ve ever known, he was a remarkable man. He was a Marine, an American Patriot, and a man who embraced life. Rest well, Marine. We’ll meet again.
Mark and I met through CIS. Each morning i would stop by his office for a minute or two and discuss whatever was on his mind or mine that day. Usually a recent news event, I was always impressed with his clarity of thought. best analytical mind i ever met. Many days we would have lunch together and continue our talks. At first we would go buy lunch, as time went on he mentioned a new woman in his life Kim, and we spoke often of her. Before I ever met her I knew she loved him. She “made” him stop eating all that crap food with me and started making him lunch. I could tell how much he loved her by the simple pride in his voice when I asked him if he wanted to go to lunch, and he would say that he ” brought lunch in”. Now that i think about it mark and I spent a lot of time eating together. I loved our Thai restaurant in Clearwater where Anna and I would meet him and kim and then find some other adventure for the evening. His quiet confidence and ever benevolent gaze reminded me more than once that there are honorable and good men left in this world. I will miss you dearly my friend. May the road rise up to meet you, And may the wind be always at your back
I so thankful I was able to know Mark , he was a wonderful
Person. My thoughts and prayers go to his family.
God bless
I am having issues processing this. Mark was a band buddy from high school that I was so fortunate to reconnect with at our 25 year reunion. He was smart and really challenged you to think. His love for this country and others was apparent every day. I wish he had been spared the pain of this terrible disease.
I thank him for being so kind when we came to Tampa and he and Kim introduced us to an amazing restaurant that we will visit every time we visit the area. And for another visit where he introduced us to beautiful Dunedin.
Mark, you will be missed…more than you know. I am a better person for knowing you. Rest in heaven…your work here is done. <\3
So enjoyed Mark (And Kim!!)…… at our place or there’s, dinner, guitars,gun talk and don’t forget LSB!!! Them Lazy Smoking Bastards!!! Such a shock to loose you so young. I went to save some kitties in Tampa, from being put down, posted the photos and asked if anyone would like these beautiful boys. Mark jumped right up! Loved them big time. Kim, our hearts are broken and we hurt with you, but uplift you with prayer and possitive energy!
Mark, you were the first friend I ever had. I have so many memories of us…playing outside, playing with your GI Joe’s and my Barbie’s, riding our bikes around the neighborhood, walking to school together, watching Dr. Who together, playing with the cousins together, and just being pals. To name a few. You taught me how to play guitar, sorta. We learned how to play the piano together. We went camping with the family, had a few joint Scouting events, Explorers, and had our big trip to Tinnerman where you talked me into jumping off of a 70′ cliff. How could I forget about all of the Pow-wows we went to with the family, where we danced with our friends from around the country and had fun just being with everyone. Later on, we had some good times together just hanging out at the bar, talking and listening to the music. For some reason, God took you home too young. You will forever be my big brother. Always and forever. 🎶🎵🎼
Mark was my cousin & best friend when we were kids. I have fond memories of spending weekends at his house when we were growing up. We would spend hours pretending to be the “Hardy Boy’s”. Mark built an impressive “investigation” kit and came up with mysteries for us to solve. When I got married I was proud to have Mark standing with me as a groomsman. My wife was a little concerned when Mark shared it was Marine tradition to swat the bride on the butt with their sword. Fortunately for my marriage, we skipped that tradition… Mark was a great example when we were kids. He was always the smart one who stayed out of trouble. He continued on to be a great man and hero to our country. I will miss him forever.
A true Sheep Dog, a warrior, watching over his flock. He will be greatly missed here on earth, but he will be welcomed into the heavens.
I met Mark over 14 years ago at KKP Security Group when I came into the company as President of Aegis Protective Services. Mark quickly became an integral part of CIS and assisted me frequently with process and procedural questions within KKP Security Group. Of course the information shared was VERY DEEP and detailed and explained in the way that only Mark could understand but I always enjoyed the ability to look at things from another perspective.
Over the years, Mark’s contributions to the Security industry were plentiful and he was well respected by all who knew him and worked with him. He worked alongside CIS and FASCO to fight for legislation that would elevate the standards in the Security industry while protecting the security officers in the State of Florida. Mark was the legislative chairman for the Florida Association of Security Companies where his support and hard work were appreciated everyday. On behalf of FASCO, Thank You!!!
My heart is heavy as I realize that I will no longer be able to bounce ideas off of Mark or hear his passionate response to the questions I pose. Rest In Peace my friend and know that YOU made a difference in so many lives in an industry where you were so well respected and your knowledge was plentiful.
On a personal note, I will miss you. I want to thank you for your support and guidance with my son, Austin as he worked as an intern at CIS. I feel Marks positive influence assisted Austins drive in seeking his college degree and he graduated from college in May 2017.
Thank you for introducing us to your wonderful fiancé, Kim, who lights up a room with her beautiful spirit. Thank you for your friendship and I will miss you!!! God Bless!!!
Mark was an amazing man. Our first conversation was about the philosophy of Kant. I had met my match in conversation. Mark was a deep thinker, but he was funny, too. He wasn’t afraid to explore new ideas and adventures. He theorized that women are divergent and men more linear. He was truly a wonderful man. I will miss our conversations and your unique point of view, Mark. I’m grateful for our last visit. While we miss you, we know that your suffering is gone and you rejoice at your Savior’s side. With loving memories, Amy