Mark E. Escher, age 77, of Kalona, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, August 27, 2019 at the Washington County Hospital after failing in health for the past several years.

Celebration of life services will be held at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, September 1, 2019, at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home with Pastor Darryl Carr officiating. Calling hours will begin 12:00 p.m. Sunday, September 1, 2019, at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. Interment will take place at a later date. A general memorial has been established. Online condolences may be sent for Mark's family through the web at www.jonesfh.com .

Mark was born August 10, 1942, the last of his family to be born on the family farm. He was the son of Paul and Marie (Greaser) Escher. Mark attended Catholic School in Richmond, Iowa. He was united in marriage to Karen Pohren on February 13, 1966 in Richmond, Iowa.

Mark lived on the family farm all of his married life and farmed all of his life in Washington County. He enjoyed Farmall memorabilia and collecting fainting couches and punch bowls. He enjoyed going to auctions and especially liked to watch his son, Michael, and his grandson, Brody, farm.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Escher of Kalona, IA; son, Michael Escher and wife Christy of Kalona, IA; son, David Escher of Marshalltown, IA; grandchildren: Chaylea Kay, Jordan Kay, Brody Escher, Logan Escher, Jarrett Escher and Jacey Escher; brother, Warren Escher and wife Catherine of Washington, IA; brother, Roger Escher and wife Mary Jo of Washington, IA; and his "little buddy" Toby.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters: Phyllis Escher, Beulah Embree and Mary Louise Escher.