Mark Gerald Peterson

It is with immeasurable sadness that we announce the death of Mark Gerald Peterson, 69, of Foley, AL who passed away unexpectedly following a mid-air helicopter collision on July 29, 2023. Mark was an extraordinary person who exuded a limitless warmth and compassion that won him many friends, and he possessed a deep, quiet confidence that arose from a principled life lived authentically and with integrity. The outpouring of support since his passing is a testament to his quality as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and colleague. He will be greatly missed. Mark was a lucky man, discovering early the two great passions that would sustain him throughout his life. The first was Peggy Murphy, who he met while he was playing in a garage band when they were 14 and 15. They dated throughout high school, married shortly after graduation and together created the much loved family that was the center of Mark’s life and focus. Mark and Peggy celebrated 49 years together on May 4, 2023. During high school, Mark excelled in track, running the 880 and setting records. He was the Northern Illinois District Champion and was awarded a track scholarship to the University of Iowa. His second passion was aviation. As a small child, he was captivated by the show Whirley Birds and enjoyed the exploits of Chuck Martin and P.T. Moore. In 1985, he started WaterMark Video, producing and editing promotional, corporate and commercial videos for different products. He had always wanted to own his own helicopter and began researching home built helicopter kits, which led him to Rotorway Helicopters. He approached the company with his idea to improve the instruction manual by creating an instructional video; they agreed and the rest is history. He spent many hours in his hangar in Clearwater, FL creating the instructional videos for the Exec 162F and went on to earn his private pilot’s license and CFI credentials. In 1995, he established AirMark Helicopters, turning his passion for aviation into a satisfying career building and selling Rotorway helicopters and teaching others to fly. He was a highly skilled pilot who delighted in sharing his love of flying with others. Mark also loved motorcycles and music, and was a talented musician, playing guitar, bass and drums. He adored the family cats, Callie, Salvador and Nikki and was happy watching endless cat videos on the internet. But he was especially in thrall to Nikki, who wandered into his hangar one day and became “his” cat, accompanying him on the road in his RV when he traveled for work. Originally from Rockford, IL, Mark was predeceased by his parents Burdette and Ellen (Scott) Peterson. He is survived by his wife, Peggy Murphy Peterson, son Zach Peterson and daughter Camille Peterson, of Foley, AL, and grandchildren Alina Peterson and Liam Peterson, of Palm Harbor, FL. He is also survived by his sisters Jennifer (Roger) Flux of Sebring, FL, Beth (Mike) Metzler of Beaufort, NC, a niece and several nephews; brothersin-law Mike (Lynn) Murphy of Phoenix, AZ and Tim (Barbara) Murphy of Tucson, AZ, and sister-in-law Katy Van Aken (Harry) of Greenwood, IN. A celebration of Mark’s life will be held August 19, 2023 at St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Parish, 601 W. Laurel Ave. Foley, AL. Visitation at 10am, Mass at 11am. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Parish.

Mark Gerald Peterson

August 2, 2023

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

Mark Gerald Peterson

August 2, 2023

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

Obituary Notification