Mark Woodland Keller

Mark Woodland Keller was the 5^th of 7 children born to Gaynor Louise Woodland Keller and Neal Stephen Keller in Mesa AZ on June 6, 1962. He was fun loving child, with lots of energy, always smiling and a bit mischievous. He had wavy brown hair that became much curlier as he got older.

He was only 7 when his Father passed away at the young age of 42, and was raised by his wonderful single mother who strived to care for & provide for her children while working full time. He and his siblings learned to work hard at an early age as their help around the house was greatly needed.

He attended Longfellow Elementary, Mesa Jr High, and Mesa High School – where he played on the baseball and football teams.

With the help of his older Brother-in-law, mentor and father figure – Bob Yost, he learned concrete work, and perfected those skills throughout his life. Many a day off from the Fire Station were spent doing Concrete side jobs.

Mark has 5 children from his 1^st marriage: Cassie (who tragically passed away Feb 16^th, 2020) Courtney Petersen (Brett), Cameron, Cade & Channing Keller.

Mark found the love of his life, his soul mate, Stacie Tidwell and they were married Aug 5^th 2000. He was a loving step dad to her girls Baeley and Quincy Haught. He was Papa to his 8 grandkids and 2 great grandkids. His kids & grandkids adore him and are feeling an incomprehensible loss in their lives.

Mark loved concrete work, but wanted more stability and income for his large family and decided to train to be a firefighter, and he started that occupation in 1990. This career was his passion and he truly loved his job and all the people he worked with over his 35 years of service with the Mesa Fire & Medical Department. In his many years of service, he served as a Paramedic, a Technical Rescue Technician, a Recruit Training Officer, and many other roles. The impact he had on hundreds of Firefighters cannot be understated. Most importantly, he could always be counted on for a smile and a joke. His legacy will live on with the countless people he impacted.

Mark & Stacie absolutely loved their life together!  They loved spending time with their friends, kids & grandkids. They loved traveling, and worked hard to save for their yearly Caribbean vacations. Mark & Stacie also enjoyed scuba diving, hiking together, and paddle boarding on the Salt River. Many friends & family have enjoyed these great adventures with them. These moments will be sorely missed.

In our Family, Mark was always the calm in the storm, the voice of reason, the breath of fresh air with a glass always half full attitude, the one who could make us laugh, and an example and hero to all of us.

Mark is survived by his sweetheart Stacie Tidwell Keller, 6 children, 8 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and siblings Stephany Keller Worthen (Richard), Kristina Keller-Wilczek (Ron), Wallace Keller (Lora) & Matthew Keller (Morag).

Mark W. Keller died while on duty on May 6, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, his dear daughter Cassie, his niece Traci, nephew Richard, older sister Cindy, brother-in-law Bob Yost, brother-in-law Alan Hanks, and older brother Eric.  Surely, they all enjoyed a joyous reunion with Mark in Heaven, but losing him has left a giant hole in all of our hearts.

Services for the one and only Mark W. Keller.

The viewing will be held at:
Bunker’s Garden Chapel
33 N. Centennial Way
Mesa, AZ 85201
Wednesday May 14th 2025 at 6-8 pm

The Services will be held at:
Mission Community Church
4450 E. Elliot Rd.
Gilbert, AZ 85234
Thursday May 15th, 2025 at 10am.

Graveside Burial will be invite only.

**They are anticipating standing room only please arrive early if you want a seat.
Thank you for celebrating the life of Mark. He will be truly missed by so many.