Mark Earl Renberg spent decades insisting that nothing should be scheduled during tax season besides taxes. He broke his own rule this month, however, when he died March 14, 2022 from cancer in San Tan Valley, Arizona.
Mark was born April 21, 1957 in Idaho Falls, Idaho, the fourth and last child of Charles Lowell and Berva Dawn Nebeker Renberg. He grew up in Blackfoot, Idaho, and participated in many sports. The family moved to Pocatello, Idaho his sophomore year where he excelled in football as a quarterback and basketball as a starter. His golfing was frequently spectacular and his keen eye made him a natural for helping others improve their game. He was selected to attend Boys State while in high school and graduated from Idaho State University.
The best part of high school was meeting Jolynn Wood. He immediately felt comfortable and happy around her, and they became lifelong sweethearts. They married Sept. 15, 1978, in the Idaho Falls Temple after he served a two-year mission in Brazil where he was assistant to the president. He directed his devotion to Jolynn and later increased his commitment to include children and grandchildren.
His dad had died unexpectedly fewer than two weeks before Mark’s wedding, and many of the hundreds of flowers from his funeral decorated Mark and Jolynn’s wedding reception; this was Charlie’s last gift to the young couple,
Mark was a bit of a rolling stone and built many homes and made many moves—usually in an upward direction. An accountant, he was an owner of Renberg CPA’s. He did tax returns at no charge for single mothers; it was his small gift, because he did not want to add to their challenges. As an extrovert’s extrovert, Mark did not fit a typical image of an accountant. He tended to turn his clients into friends—and never met a stranger.
For the past several years he lived in San Tan Valley, Arizona, and had converted the backyard into a Disneyland wonderland for his beloved grandchildren Paislee, Kody. Parx, and Jovie. He was eager and thrilled that two more grandbabies are due in April and May. As for his daughters, Krista, Jessica and Michelle, he didn’t just think—he knew they walked on water. Brother Paul said that Mark made everybody else look bad.
He is survived by his wife Jolynn and three daughters” Krista (Scott) Parr, Jessica Johnson and Clint Ellsworth, and Michelle (Forest) Hoyt; brothers Paul Craig (Janine) Renberg and Stephen Lewis (Annette) Renberg, sister Charlene Renberg Winters, and many cousins. Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Lowell and Berva Dawn Nebeker Renberg, in-laws Merlin and Leola Wood, and grandparents, Charles Erin and Mary Bailey Renberg, and Lewis Herbert and Eva Zilpha Dye Nebeker.
The Renberg family had many fun times together including several cruises and trips using their time shares. This past year Mark and Jolynn saw a big chunk of the United States and were planning another road trip.
Mark already embarked on his last big road trip with his last mortal breath on March 14, 2022, and we trust it is an amazing journey.
A viewing is scheduled Sunday, March 20, from 5 to 7 PM and Monday 10 to 10:45 at the LDS Stake Center, 31844 North Gantzel Road, San Tan Valley. Funeral services will be Monday, March 21, from 11:00 to noon at the same LDS Stake Center. To view via ZOOM, the link is below. (The meeting ID is: 996 3520 4702 and the Passcode is: 883282.)
Oh how news of his cancer saddened me. To end at this outcome heartbreaking. Mark was and is a great friend and person. He lived life! He was unapologetically real! He made my experiences more enjoyable when around him and by knowing him. I will miss Mark. I know Heaven is a better place because he is there.
This is a beautiful tribute for a wonderful man. I am deeply saddened to hear of Mark’s passing. I enjoyed catching up with Mark every March when I would drop off my taxes. He always lit up while talking about his grandkids. He will be dearly missed. He was definitely one of a kind. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.