07/16/2026
With hearts breaking and in the words of Elizabeth Barrett Browning,; "How do we love thee? Let us (attempt to) count the ways..."
Mark and Sue, all beloved family, and legions of devoted friends and esteemed colleagues -- our hearts break for you. Mark is so special not only to every single Klondike Kate since the 90's, but all the way through 2026! You were THERE for us in the painful times of necessary reorganization, establishing Klondike Kate officially as part of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival legend, assisting in the creation of representatives of EVERY uniformed group to help & support each other, then and NOW, including us in everything, supporting our organizational growth within the realm and the "fire", understanding and supporting difficult decisions sometimes having to be made, sitting in the front row at every single show, fundraiser, get-together if you could possibly get there, supporting us, donating, helping out at our events, whether the front or back of the house, you and Sue were there helping & cheering us on! You traveled to Alaska with us! Oh, the many, many times you occupied the Kate "chair" at shows to allow every Kate a seat on your lap and welcoming hysterical embarrassment for the good of yet another show..to join in the laughter & FUN for all there. You sponsored our first military button..you exhibited quiet, firm leadership in your organizations for which you had such passion. You showed what it meant to honor others in your organization because it was IMPORTANT and you showed such respect and gratefulness and always included us as entertainers and treated us like royalty..always! You judged our competitions..fairly and with a huge smile and twinkle in your eye. You absolutely had a stake in supporting our organization so it could grow and flourish. Your steady grace and sense of FUN had no bounds. We love you. We will miss you. We have stories to tell forever that include you that will never be forgotten..likely will become even "richer" over time! We THANK YOU. May you be welcomed by all your beloved navy colleagues and the standing salute you receive and heavenly front row seat be yours. It is well-deserved, faithful and fabulous friend!
"Anchors Aweigh, dear Mark, Anchors Aweigh..until we meet once more, here's wishing you a happy voyage HOME!"
In Love, Respect, Honor and Song...
Your Klondike Kates, forever and always!!
❤️🇺🇸🔥🎵🎶🔥🇺🇸❤️