Submitted by his Wife

Mark served 21 years with the Forest Service; which included the Vista Grande HotShots‚ Keenwild Helibase‚ as Captain of Engine 57 and 54;as well as the C&M person during the winter season. Mark knew just about every one in the fire prevention office‚ etc‚ etc and not just only in his own District but in all our neighboring Districts/Regions.

Mark coached volleyball for our local elementery school. He also coached his children in basketball for our local Town Hall Recreation Program for many years. This basketball season was going to be the season he would have been coaching his twin boys for the first time in their pro career of age 8.

Mark was not only with us at the games in spirit but in our hearts and in my own two eyes. I had the honor to see for the both of us. He had to have been very pleased without a doubt!

Mark loved airplanes. In fact‚ he was putting together‚ I believe for the second time‚ his very large and costly model airplane. He would do this with his friends.

Mark’s wish was to be a part of the airbase in SB(Ryan?). In fact‚ he was bummed out because just two days beford they told him that he couldn’t work down there for lack of funds or room‚ I CAN’T REMEMBER FOR SURE – for this is the time I wish I could of remembered every word he said to me that week.

Mark has left not only his mom and dad‚ [I WILL USE THE FUNERAL PART OF FAMILY] /

Mark is not only proud to be a part of our wonderful town of Idyllwild. Apart from a world of stangers; yet willing to call‚ send gifts‚ send a letter‚ and as important as all the rest‚ the prayers prayed on behalf of us‚ from all around the world has given him and allowed him to be able to rest in peace. This is due to the care‚ love‚ the giving of all types; a dedicated & loving desire to care‚ protect‚ and secure the one and only most important love in his life-his children‚ his wife of 13 years-15 years total‚ and his parents & siblings; and the families of his crew and his other extended but as close his working buddies and Volleyball friends.

Thanking God for you all is what he is doing now and what we (his & my family) will do every day!

Submitted by a Friend

Mark started with the forest service at age 18. He served 25 years.

He enjoyed being the Adult Volleyball Coordinator for the Town Hall in Idyllwild; coaching the Town Hall youth Basketball team and being the Assistant Coach for the Idyllwild Elementary Girls Middle School Volleyball Team.

He is survived by his wife Maria; sons Jacob‚ Seth‚ and Kyle; and daughters Tesha and Savanah.

Submitted by a USDA Forest Service Family Liaison

Captain Mark Loutzenhiser was one of five firefighters killed while protecting a structure on the Esperanza Fire‚ October 26‚ 2006. Mark started his career with the Forest Service at the age of 18.

When he wasn’t working‚ Mark enjoyed being the Adult Vollyball Coordinator for the Town Hall in Idyllwild‚ coaching the Town Hall Youth Basketball League‚ and being the Assistant Coach for the Idyllwild Elementary Girls Middle School Vollyball Team. Mark is survived by his loving wife Maria; son Jacob; daughters Tesha and Savanah; and twin sons Seth and Kyle; parents Russell and Pauline; sisters and brothers-in-laws Cheryl & Howard Brown and their children; Beth & Steve Pachman and their children; brother and sister-in-law Michael & Sue Loutzenhiser.

Mark devoted his life to his five children and their sports activities. He is a beloved member and respected Captain of the San Jacinto Ranger District’s Fire Staff.