Mark Allen Waddington, 69, passed away at Holy Rosary Hospital in Miles City, surrounded by family, on March 1, 2023.
Mark was born in Huron, South Dakota, on June 8, 1953. He attended school in Woonsocket, South Dakota and graduated from high school in 1971. Mark attended Huron College for a little over a year, then decided to go on tour with his trumpet and all his youthful enthusiasm for playing it. Although Mark was a gifted trumpeter, it was tough to make a living. He joined the 76th Army Band, stationed in Kaiserslautern, Germany, and was there for two and a half years. When he came home, he decided to take a job in radio, which lasted him 30 years. He and Annie Tillery were married in August of 1985, then they packed up the U-Haul and moved to Miles City, Montana.
Mark began work at KATL in Miles City at the end of August, during the Fair. After KATL, he and his family (now including a daughter, Libby) moved to Powell, WY, following the radio waves. Their daughter, Becca, was born during their Powell years. Later his career led them all to Kansas City, Kansas; Lawrence, Kansas; Kemmerer, WY; Cheyenne, WY; and finally Laramie, WY. Annie and Mark divorced, and Mark moved back to Miles City to work – again – for KATL.
During the next three years, Mark worked hard to support his daughters and to be the best dad ever. They had a lot of good times, camping, fishing, and visiting their grandparents who lived in Miles City. During this time, Mark met the “girl next door,” Vicki Bergerson, divorced with three kids. They spent many, many hours together playing computer games, listening to music, fishing, hunting, camping, playing guitar, and talking endlessly about life and love. On January 1, 1994, Mark proposed to Vic, on February 2nd (Groundhog Day) at Pizza Hut he presented her with her engagement ring, and they were married on March 12, 1994. This coming Sunday would have been their 29th anniversary.
Mark is preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, his mother, Aileen, and his father, Jack, and his sister, Marcia, and his stepson Todd Bergerson. His survivors include his brother, Craig Waddington, of Rapid City, SD; the love of his life, Vicki; his stepson Rob Bergerson (Nanette); stepdaughter Randi Hunter (Brian); daughter Libby and grandkids Gavin and Kaci; and daughter Becca and her partner Megan Cole, as well as grandson Jaydon.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 11, with family receiving friends from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Miles City, on Friday, March 10, at 11:00 a.m. Following the service, a graveside service with full military honors will be held at the Custer County Cemetery. A luncheon at The Parlor will be served after graveside. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist of Miles City, or the charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday March 9, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Homes
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday March 10, 2023
First United Methodist Church
24 N. 11th Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Following Funeral Service
Friday March 10, 2023
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday March 9, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Homes
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday March 10, 2023
First United Methodist Church
24 N. 11th Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Following Funeral Service
Friday March 10, 2023
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Al says
He was my friend. Since I heard of Mark’s passing my mind has been flood with all the good time we had together. In the years he and I worked for KATL we had more fun than a barrel of monkeys, Mark had bright clever things to say about everthing which offen made me think and change my position, he had great common sense and wisdom. Mark was a very good salesman and Announcer. Mark you will be surly missed
Clara jo says
So sorry for your loss Vicki 🤗 in my thoughts and prayers.
Terry Sanderson says
Prayers to you Vickie, Mark was a fun guy to work with, and to ride with. RIP Mark
MARTHA J CRANDALL says
My sympathy
Anita Hillis says
So sorry Vickie. He was a great loving person. We shared some wonderful music and good times together. Hugs.
Eileen Entzel says
Vickie you and the family are in my thoughts and prayers 🤗🤗
Ramona Stephens Kurkowski says
Dearest Vicki, my heart breaks for you! You are in my thoughts and prayers always.
Beth Ann Johnson Wiedeman says
Vicki and family, may your memories fill the hole in your heart. Praying for you during this time of grieving and learning to live a life without Mark’s physical presence.
Connie Brown says
Vicki and family,
Hold tight to your memories of Mark and your life together. I will continue to keep you in my prayers.
Sandy Russiff Rabe says
Vickie and family. So sorry for your loss. Prayers for comfort in the wonderful memories of Mark.
God Bless
Stan wheeler says
Mark was a great friend and I remember all the good times we had hunting. He also introduced me to fly fishing, even thought I can never seem to find the time to get back to it. Stake out the good fishing holes till I get there.
Briana Trimble says
Sorry for your loss Vicky! The Trimble Family is keeping you in our thoughts and prayers!!!
Sarah Trogden says
Vicki, Libby and family my heart is with all of you in your time of grief. He will always be in my memories of the first time I ever went online. It was in your guy’s basement that I first heard that nasty noise of the internet and the voice saying “you’ve got mail”
Prayers for all of your hearts to heal.
Dee Bickle says
So sorry for your loss!
Jammie Thibault says
Vicki and family. My heart hurts for you guys! I hope you find peace someday knowing that Mark is no longer in pain. Our families go back so long ago, I can’t help but feel the pain of his lose as well. I know he loved his family with all his heart. I will never forget going to see Mark at the radio station with my dad. Mark was a man of music. It spoke to his sole and he made everyone else around him feel it too. I know my dad and Mark are up there together playing music together. Peace and love to you and your family.
Tom/Lillian Ostendorf says
Our condolences Vicki and family. We are so sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers.
Barb Noble-Johnson says
Oh my goodness I am so sorry to hear this news. Mark has been so kind since the passing of my husband, Jeff.
Mark and Jeff played music together in the Army and now will be jamming together with the Angels. My condolences go out to all the Waddington Family.
Barb Noble-Johnson
Phoenix, AZ
Glapha Cox says
I’m so sorry for your loss, Vicki!
Pam Rogge says
Vicki,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and in the days to come.
Deniece Schwab says
Oh Vicki and family
My heart is breaking with yours!
I love you, I’m praying for you and grieving with you!
Deniece
Jim Swan says
Prayers for you Vicki and your family. May you be blessed in your time of grief!
Rev. Bill Selby Center for Pastoral Effectiveness says
I am sorry to read the news. This is a really tough loss for you. Your investment in Marks life was inspirational. Peace and healing as you grieve.
Peace
Bill Selby
Karem Disney says
I’m so sorry Vicki and family. My prayers, thoughts, and long distance hugs are with you. This meditation reminds me of Mark.
When Great Trees fall” By Maya Angelo
When great trees fall, rocks on distant hills shudder, lions hunker down in tall grasses, and even elephants lumber after safety. When great trees fall in forests, small things recoil into silence, their senses eroded beyond fear. When great souls die, the air around us becomes light, rare, sterile. We breathe briefly, our eyes, briefly, see with a hurtful clarity. Our memory, suddenly sharpened, examines, gnaws on kind words unsaid, promised walks, never taken. Great souls die and our reality, bound to them, takes leave of us. Our souls, dependent upon their nurture, now shrink, wizened. Our minds, formed and informed by their radiance fall away. We are not so much maddened as educed to the unutterable ignorance of dark, cold caves, And when great souls die, after a period peace blooms, slowly and always irregularly. Spaces fill with a kind of soothing electric vibration. Our senses, restored, never to be the same, whisper to us, They existed. They existed. We can be. Be and be better. For they existed.
Karen Disney
Connie Sarahan says
So very sorry for your loss. Mark and I were good friends in college and years after. Kinda lost touch, which makes me sad. He was the nicest, kindest person…. I was lucky to be his friend, and will treasure the good times we had. I will miss you, my friend. You will be missed by many….
Vickie Schneidt says
Vicki, I’m sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. Prayers for you and your family.
Jack Light says
Vicki, I’m saddened to learn of the loss of my friend. Mark helped me so much as I learned the radio business at KATL more than forty years ago. He was such a caring person with a wicked sense of humor, so brilliant at puncturing pretense. Mark’s voice was so powerful yet so soothing. Hugs to you and your family.
Paula J Beezley says
Rest in Peace Mark… you made people laugh, you shared your life with kindness. You made the best of everything life threw at you… make the very best of the next adventure as well. Your friend PJ
Denise Harvey says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! A great man!
Mary Ann Liles says
Dear Vicki and family,
Love and gentle prayers for you all as you mourn Mark’s passing. He was a sweetheart and his big personality and rich voice will be missed. You were all greatly blessed by his presence in your lives. God love you all.
Mary Ann
Kathy Morse says
Vickie, I am so sorry for your loss. Mark was a special person. Huggggs.
Dina Gay says
Sincere condolences, Vicki and family, for your loss. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Margaret Mikelson says
I am sorry for your loss, Vicki.
Cherie & Doug Heser says
Vicki, we’re thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers. I am so glad for the time I had with you two, getting to hear him tell of his music adventures and how much he cherished you in his life. We unfortunately will be gone and will miss the services, but we will be thinking of you and hoping you are surrounded with love and care.
Kelly Murdock-Billy says
Vicki, I was heartbroken for you when I read the news that Mark had died.
You and your family are, and will remain, in my prayers in the days and months to come.
Blessings. — Kelly
Casey Cook says
Vicki and family
I was greatly saddened by the news of Mark’s passing away. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Margaret Joyce says
Dear Vicki,
I was so sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. I will be thinking of you and send you my love.
Dave Johnson says
Vicki and family,
So sorry to hear of your loss of Mark. He was a great guy and I enjoyed our conversations whenever we seen each other. RIP Mark.
Tami Maltese says
Vicky and family, You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Mark will be present in all your great memories.
Vicki Little says
Dear Vicki
My sincere condolences.
Prayers for comfort.
May your memories bring you joy!
My parents loved you!
Vicki Yerger Little
Connie Genger says
Vicki. Haven’t seen you and Mark for a long time, but stayed indirectly in touch via UCC, and know you had many wonderful years together. My sincere sympathy for your loss. Connie
Jan Munroe says
My sympathies Vicki to you and the girls.
Kim Stanton says
Dear Family-
I’m so very sorry to read that dear Mark has passed away. He was such a talented person and will be missed by many. May the Holy Spirit fill your hearts and minds with comfort and peace.
Sending you my hugs and love, Becca!
With prayerful Sympathy,
Kim Stanton
Joan Carpenter says
It is truly astounding how the comradery created from being stationed together in the same military unit for a few short years could lead to life-long friendships. But of course, this is due to the people you meet.
Mark was one of those people; the best of those people. He was always welcoming to all, always friendly, always a smile, and had that amazing ability to bring people together, especially the new members. We have lost one of the best, and though it has been several decades since that comradery blossomed, we feel as though we’ve lost our best friend.
Jack and Joan Carpenter
Aliceann Carlton says
Vicki and family — God’s Peace to you all. There is Light for Mark. His love of life is also a part of yours. Nothing can take it away.
Love and good rest to you all,
Aliceann Carlton
Don and Nancy Hamilton says
Vicki, Our prayers are with you. We were able to share in the service via the Internet. So, in a way, we were with you.
God bless you in the coming days, months, and years!
With love,
Don and Nancy
Wendy Ballance says
Dear Vicki & family, I’ve been at a loss of what to say other than I’m so so sorry. I’m still in shock of Mark’s passing. Mark was an amazing man. A man who loved what did working at KATL as Sales Manager, he loved his family, but above all he loved YOU Vicki 💗 Not a day go by that he didn’t talk about how much he loved you.💗 You were his everything!!💞 Mark will be missed by so many. My thoughts & prayers are with you all 💙🙏💙