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Mark Erik Hertz, Bethel Class of 1988, passed away on April 18, 2018, due to complications from Chron’s Disease. Mark was born on December 14, 1969, in Chelsea, Massachusetts. He was most proud of being the first disabled student to graduate from Bethel Public Schools, after the passage of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, (Public Law 94-142), which mandated that all disabled students be mainstreamed into public schools. Mark attended Bethel from first grade through twelfth grade.
Mark was the 1975 Theme Child for United Cerebral Palsy in Oklahoma. He enjoyed yearly appearances at the local telethon in Oklahoma City, met many celebrities, and prominent individuals, including Governor David Boren and Governor Frank Keating. Mark had a heart for all animals, but especially loved dogs. Mark enjoyed being a member of First Baptist Church Tecumseh’s puppet ministry team, and continued to do solo performances for his church after the puppet ministry ended. Mark had a favorite all time singer, Dolly Parton. He knew every lyric to every song she ever sung. He also had a favorite soap opera- Days of Our Lives. He became pen pals with many members of the cast, and was able to visit the set in Hollywood, California, where he met some of his favorite cast members in person. Mark was a December baby and loved all things Christmas. He kept Christmas decorations up year round in his home, and you could most assuredly find him playing Christmas music loudly, even in July. Mark was also an avid collector, and especially collected all things Christmas, Dolly Parton, Disney; Peanuts Characters; Star Wars; wall clocks; and, last, but certainly not least, all things Days of Our Lives.
Mark was preceded in death by his father, Major John Frederick Hertz, Sr.; all of his grandparents; numerous aunts and uncles; two cousins; and his many beloved pets from childhood to adulthood. Mark is survived by his mother, Barbara Ann Hedden Hertz; his siblings, John Frederick Hertz, Jr., Joni Sue Hertz, and Martin Ray Hertz; six nieces; one great niece; one great nephew; and, his beloved dogs, “Elf” and “Mistletoe.” Mark is also survived by many relatives and many dear friends.
The family wishes to thank the countless health professionals who touched Mark’s life. We will always have a special place in our hearts for you. Flowers gladly received. Suggested donations to honor Mark’s memory should be sent to the J.D. McCarty Center in Norman, Oklahoma.
Visitation will be from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m., Thursday, May 3, 2018 and from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, May 4, 2018 and continue through service time. Family gathering to meet with friends and family will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, May 4, 2018 at Cooper Funeral Home. Services will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 5, 2018 at First Baptist Church in Tecumseh with Reverend Tony Peak officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.
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