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Jeffery M. Mork, 55, of Sandusky, died Wednesday, March 7, 2012, at Firelands Regional Medical Center, Sandusky, after an eight-year battle with lymphoma.
He was born Jan. 11, 1957, in Cincinnati, son of Arden and Maxine (Smittle) Mork. He graduated in 1975 from Withrow High School, Cincinnati. In 1979 he earned his bachelor’s degree in music education from Bowling Green State University, where he received the Outstanding Senior Marcher award and was student director of the hockey pep band.
He was band director at Tuslaw High School near Massillon, Ohio, from 1979 to 1982, when he moved to Tallahassee, Fla., to attend Florida State University. He earned his master’s degree in music education in 1984.
He then moved to Sandusky, where he was band director in the Sandusky City Schools from 1984 until he retired in 2011. His special passion was directing the jazz bands. He received the district’s 1991 Outstanding Teacher Award and was a 2004 Jennings Scholar.
He had been a member of the United Church of Christ in Oakley, Cincinnati; Westminster Presbyterian Church, Wooster, Ohio; St. Stephen United Church of Christ, Sandusky, where he sang in the choir and directed the bell choir; and the former First United Church of Christ, Sandusky, where he directed the choir and bell choir.
He was a member of Ohio Music Education Association and was an adjudicator for solo and ensemble contests. He played his saxophone with Dana Dorsey and the Blue Notes and the North Coast Concert Band. He was a member of the Sandusky Community Celebrations Council and the Lange Trust board. Volunteered for Behavioral Health at Firelands Regional Medical Center.
He was most proud of his three daughters, Maureen Mork, a genetic counselor at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas; Adrienne Mork, a seventh-grade English teacher and dance teacher in Gladwin, Mich.; and Melanie Mork, a music teacher in the Sandusky City Schools.
He was known for his quick wit and his underappreciated jokes and puns.
He is survived by his wife, Karen (Brazee), whom he married Dec. 15, 1979, in Wooster, Ohio; his three daughters; his sister, Melissa (David) Holmes of Cincinnati; his brother, Christian Mork of Cincinnati; sisters-in-law, Kathleen (Rick) Thompson of Mount Vernon, Ohio, and Kay Wagner of Wooster; his brother-in-law, Kevin (Pam) Brazee of Wooster; his nephews, Sean (Mallory) Thompson of Newark and Ryan Thompson of Gilbert, Ariz.; his niece Sara Holmes of Cincinnati; his father- and mother-in-law, Ross and Jean Brazee of Wooster; and many other relatives, friends, colleagues and students.
He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother-in-law, Raymond Wagner.
The Family will receive friends on Saturday afternoon, March 10, 2012, from 2 PM until time of the Memorial Service at 3 PM at St. Stephen United Church of Christ, 905 E. Perkins Avenue, Sandusky. Rev. Jerald A. Fenske officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sandusky City Schools music program, 407 Decatur St., Sandusky, OH 44870; Cancer Services of Erie County, 505 E. Perkins Ave., Sandusky, OH 44870; Stein Hospice, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH 44870; St. Stephen United Church of Christ choir, 905 E. Perkins Ave., Sandusky, OH 44870; or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Arrangements entrusted to the David F. Koch Funeral Home, 520 Columbus, Ave., Sandusky.
Your memories and words of comfort may be expressed to Jeff's family at davidfkoch.com
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Click the button to generate a printable document containing all condolences submitted
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Condolence Booklet
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Luan Pennington
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Posted Thu March 08, 2012
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Karen and girls:
It''s been a long hard battle. It''s done and Jeff is fine now!
God''s Blessings!
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John and Margaret Gallagher
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Posted Thu March 08, 2012
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Karen, Maureen, Addy and Melanie. Our deepest sympathy to you. Jeff was a fantastic person and it was an honor knowing him. We are so very sorry, but we will not be in town on Saturday to attend the memorial. I wish we could be here for you. You all will always be in our hearts and prayers.
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Della Stewart
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Posted Thu March 08, 2012
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My children were lucky to have you,Time to play in the Lord’s band.May your family have peace in knowing that you inspired so many and so many loved you for it.
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Jean Moran
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Posted Thu March 08, 2012
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Dear Karen, Maureen, Adrienne, and Melanie,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Your husband and father was one of the most courageous people I've ever known. Musically and spiritually, he was an inspiration to everyone who knew him. May you take some comfort in knowing how much he meant to so many and, most importantly, in how much he loved all of you. Jeff will always be deeply admired, appreciated, and loved.
Many hugs and prayers,
Jean Moran
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Michael and Hope Bailey
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Posted Thu March 08, 2012
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Dear Karen, Maureen, Adrienne, and Melanie,
Although we are in Florida for the winter, Hope and I send our deepest sympathy. Jeff has claimed victory after a tremendous battle over the last eight years. Jeff will alway remain special to us from band, teaching, golfing, special music, and the list goes on. We celebrate now knowing that Jeff is healed and playing with the greatest band above to the Lord.
Blessings, Michael and Hope Bailey
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Barb (Koenig) Kutzing
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Posted Thu March 08, 2012
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Karen and daughters, Melissa and Christian,
Deepest condolences for your loss. The world has grown more quiet - Jeff has joined Smitty''s band.
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Tiffany Kaman
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Posted Thu March 08, 2012
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Dear Mork Family,
I am very sorry for your loss. He is now in Gods Hands and no longer in pain. God Rest in Soul..He was a great guy and an amazing teacher! I know he''s touched alot of students lives, as he did mine. He will be truely missed. I will keep your family in my prayers! God Rest Your Soul Mr.Mork
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Joyce and Bob Quillen
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Posted Thu March 08, 2012
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Morks all. We sai goodbye to a friend yesterday. We already miss the thought of his friendship, humor, and twinkle-eyed smile.He has known the good trip "There and Back Again." Good Canoeing friend.
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Anthony, Kristin and Rhonda North
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Posted Thu March 08, 2012
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Dear Mr. Mork,
Thank you for your kindness, passion, strength, dedication, and integrity. Your outstanding service to our community will deeply be missed but not forgotten. May your music forever play in our hearts and in heaven.
Love,
Anthony, Kristin and Rhonda North
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Tracy Johnson-Croom
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Posted Fri March 09, 2012
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Mrs. Mork~
Mr. Mork was a great band director, very friendly and funny!! He was my band director from 84-86. I remember when Maureen was just a little sprout. Your whole family will be in my prayers. God bless you and may you feel the peace and comfort that only He can provide at a time such as this.
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Jeanne L. Swaldo
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Posted Fri March 09, 2012
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Jeff was one of the first people I met when I moved here to work for Sandusky City Schools. He was a truly kind, talented, sweet man who will be greatly missed by his colleagues and former students. His influence will be felt in this area for decades to come. I am better off for having known him.
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Carol Bauer
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Posted Fri March 09, 2012
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To the Mork family,
My deepest sympathy on your loss. I was a sophomore when Mr. Mork started directing the band at Sandusky High. He helped me through many difficult times. He was more than a band director, he was a mentor and, at times, a surrogate parent to his students. Some teachers you remember vaguely or not at all. Mr. Mork left his mark in my heart and he will always be remembered with fondness and with love. He made a difference in my life. He is now in Heaven directing a band full of Angels. Thank-you Mr. Mork. You will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace.
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Dede and David Fitzthum
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Posted Fri March 09, 2012
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We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr Mork. He truly was one of the funniest and kindness men we ever met. We know that our sons learned to love music because of him! We also know how hard he fought; we''''ve been there too. Just know that he was so proud of you girls and he will always be smiling down on you all. Our prayers are with you all....
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Sharon Lichtcsien
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Posted Fri March 09, 2012
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Karen,
You and your girls are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you in your time of loss.
Sharon
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Kim & Ann Stiger
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Posted Fri March 09, 2012
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Karen and girls,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you. We have lost a wonderful Friend, Teacher, Father, and Husband. We are truly honored to have known Jeff.He will be missed.
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Dave Beyer
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Posted Fri March 09, 2012
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To Adrienne and family,
Gladwin Junior High's staff send our deepest sympathies. Though he may have passed, his service to the youth of Ohio will never be forgotten. We see his humor and love of teaching in Adrienne's eyes and actions every day.
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Melissa Kistler-Wells
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Posted Fri March 09, 2012
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Dear Karen, Maureen, Addy, and Melanie,
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Mork. He was such a genuinely good person, always friendly and fun. He touched the lives of many. Mr Mork will truly be missed. You have my heartfelt sympathy.
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Kathy Schaller-Snider
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Posted Sat March 10, 2012
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My deepest symphathy for the Mork family from the Tuslaw community. RIP, Mr. Mork. I know he is marching in time with the angels.
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Cortney Scheeser
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Posted Sat March 10, 2012
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I'm very sorry to hear of Mr. Mork's passing. He was good teacher, and I enjoyed my time in band, particularly jazz band. I really liked his energy and bad jokes. I also appreciated his support my mom felt during her treatment. He'll be missed.
Cortney Scheeser (SHS 1990)
Cincinnati
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Margaret Drury
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Posted Sat March 10, 2012
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Dear Karen, Maureen, Adrienne, and Melanie,
I am very sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. He was a good Christian man, excellent teacher, and loving father and husband. He is no longer suffering.
May your faith, and the love of family and friends sustain you through this very difficult time.
With love and prayers,
Margaret Drury, retired SHS teacher
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Linda Hartley
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Posted Sun March 11, 2012
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Dear Karen and family,
My sincere sympathy from a fellow Falcon ''79, saxophonist, music teacher, and KKY/TBS member. I know that Jeff will be missed greatly by his family, friends, and countless former students. His gifts as a musician and teacher will live on through the lives of his former students and their families, enriching their quality of life for eternity.
Linda Hartley
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Jennifer Garvin
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Posted Mon March 12, 2012
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Thinking of you all during this difficult time. You have always been one of my favorite families. I hope your hearts are full of wonderful memories of a husband and father--there's certainly a lot of love on this tribute site!
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TIFFANY TURNER 91''
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Posted Sat March 17, 2012
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To the Mork Family,
So sorry to hear of Mr. Mork''s passing. He was my band director
and both of my brothers. The one thing I will remember of Mr. Mork is
that he closed his eyes when he directed band. He truely felt what he
was teaching. R.I.P. Mr. Mork.
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Tim Gurske
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Posted Tue November 13, 2012
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Jeff was a talented musician and a great teacher. He enriched a lot of lives. Rest in peace my friend.
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