John Mark Baade

John Mark Baade, 75, of Cedar Falls, Iowa passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. Mark was born on October 16, 1950, in Postville, Iowa, the son of the late John Starr and Palma (Sebastian) Baade. He was a 1968 graduate of MFL High School, and married Sandie Peterson on August 6, 1976.

Mark and Sandie began their married life on a farm outside of Farmersburg, Iowa. It's here where they raised three children, John Nicholas, Jeremiah, and Joshua. The farming crisis played a major role in Sandie and Mark's decision to move to Cedar Falls to pursue higher degrees. That move was made in 1988. Mark attended UNI and achieved the degrees of a BA in social sciences and physical education. Sandie received her masters at UNI as a reading specialist. Mark then began his teaching career with Waterloo School system working with troubled teens and ended with many years with the Grundy Center schools, retiring in 2015. He also coached tennis, girls' basketball and some football.

Family and friendships were the foundation of Mark's life. Mark always put the needs of others ahead of his own and was always there to help. His carpentry, plumbing, and electrical skills were top notch. Mark loved any and all sports but loved his tennis, pickleball, and fishing the most. He spent many days fishing with his cousin Rick and belonged to a local pickleball club. If Mark was not actively taking part in a sport you could see him in the stands or along the sidelines. Mark was a number one fan for not only his kids but his grandkids, nieces, and nephews. Mark was a season ticket holder of the UNI Panthers and Waterloo Bucks.

He is survived by his wife, Sandie; sons, John Nicholas (Danelle) of Virginia Beach, VA, and Josh (Keely) of Johnston, Iowa; five grandsons, Juneau, Jerret, Griffin, Callan, and Meleao; sisters, Joy Davis of Des Moines and Glee (Ron) Sass of Luana, Iowa. Mark was also the proud uncle to many nieces and nephews. Mark was preceded in death by his parents; son, Jeremiah; sister-in-law, Terri Kishman; brother-in-law, Bubby Peterson; and many aunts and uncles.

Mark's celebration of life will be held from 1-3pm, Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home in Cedar Falls. An additional celebration of life gathering will be held from11am-2pm, Saturday, January 31, 2026, at First Lutheran Church, 31743 175th St, in McGregor. Please visit www.dahlfuneralhome.com to share condolences with the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to:
Southern Poverty Law Center
or
Iowa Public Radio