Obituary of Mark Daniel Drass

Mark Daniel Drass, 64, of Gilcrest, CO, passed away unexpectedly at his home on December 26, 2022. Mark was born in Pittsburgh, PA, on June 2, 1958, to the late Richard and Grace (Potts) Drass.

Mark worked as a copy machine service engineer at Bratton's Office Equipment. He enjoyed and had a natural connection with animals that included many beloved dogs and several exotic birds which he bred from eggs, trained and kept for decades. He had a lifelong passion for music where his musical talent developed early, playing piano beautifully in his friends’ band and at times entertained his family with original piano compositions. Mark’s creative and technical skills applied to his hobby of rocket building competitions. He belonged to a rocket club out of Oklahoma and placed many times, with a first place launching him and his son into the main spread of a rocketry magazine. Mark had an ability to connect with others that was nonjudgmental and totally acceptive that made even strangers feel important.  He will be missed but never forgotten.

Mark is survived by his wife and love of his life for 29 years, Lily Valdez of Gilcrest, CO, his son, Nathan Drass of Battle Creek, MI; his sister, Diane (Alexander) Karther; brothers, Richard (Mary Ann) Drass, and Stephen (Chelan) Dras, his father-in-law and mother-in-law David and Vera Valdez of Denver, Co, several nieces and nephews and numerous extended family members.  He is proceeded in death by his parents.

A visitation will be held from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m., on Wednesday Jan 4, 2022 at Northern Colorado Crematory located at 700 8^th Street, Greeley, Colorado. A Celebration of Life, to be held in Oklahoma, will be planned for spring.