A brief Celebration of Life Service for Mark McConeghey, age 77, will be held at 1:00 pm, Sunday, February 15, at the Prairie City Church of the Brethren Fellowship Hall, in Prairie City. There will be a visitation and lunch following the service until 4:00 pm. The Garden Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mark Steven McConeghey, son of Paul and Henrietta McConeghey, was born on November 2, 1948, in Oskaloosa, Iowa. He grew up in the Monroe area, attending all twelve grades of school there and graduating in 1966. He went on to pursue a degree in Business at the University of Iowa, laying the groundwork for a life marked by curiosity, hard and varied work, and a willingness to explore new paths.

On June 6, 1969, Mark married Jane Sherwood, beginning a partnership that spanned 56 years. Together they raised three children—Amy, Aaron, and James.

Mark was a man of wide-ranging interests and a lifelong eagerness to learn from books and from people. His entrepreneurial spirit led him into a variety of business ventures, from owning and managing Duncan’s Cafe to farming, real estate, and investing. No matter where his pursuits took him, he remained firmly connected to the Monroe area, always keeping at least one foot in the world of agriculture and the other foot looking for adventure. With every endeavor, he proved and reproved that it was a good thing that he never worked for anyone else.

Mark grounded his life in his Christian faith while keeping his mind alert to the worlds of science, history, and sports—especially the Iowa Hawkeyes. He took pride in thinking deeply, considering problems from unique angles, and approaching life with both independence and imagination. He read widely, traveled enthusiastically, and embraced every opportunity to understand people, places, and ideas beyond his own experience. Among his greatest joys was being a grandfather; he delighted in watching his grandchildren learn, perform, compete, and grow into themselves.

He passed away at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House on February 6, 2026, at the age of 77 after a brief illness.

Mark is survived by his wife, Jane; his children Amy (Shawn) Burk, Aaron (Mickey) McConeghey, and James (Pati) McConeghey; his sister Jan (Ron) Steenhoek; his seven grandchildren Alexis (Brady) Ramker, Hailey Burk, Cole Burk, Lauren Burk, Abbey McConeghey, Merritt McConeghey, and Cecilia McConeghey; his sisters-in-law Marcia McConeghey and Judy Sherwood; his step-sister Donna Richie; and his seven nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Henrietta McConeghey; his step-mother, Doris McConeghey; his brother, John McConeghey; and one nephew.

Memorial contributions may be directed to: Hospice of Pella, Gideons International, or the Prairie City Church of the Brethren.