Mark Ira Jefka, 74, passed away in his home, surrounded by his family, on January 30. Mark was born in Brooklyn, New York on Jan.17, 1950 to Samuel and Freda Jefka and spent his childhood there. In 1972, he graduated from the University of Bridgeport (Connecticut) with a bachelor’s degree in history. In 1974, he earned a master’s degree in special education at the University of Northern Colorado.
While attending graduate school, he met his wife Susan, and they married in 1977. In 1981, they built a timber-frame home on land they purchased in the foothills outside Boulder, Colorado. Mark was always proud of their home and was able to live there the rest of his life. Their daughter, Eve, was born in 1983, and their son, Ben, was born in 1985.
For over three decades, Mark taught special education and history in the St. Vrain School District and later in Fort Lupton. He was passionate about providing the best possible support for his students. Mark’s lifelong love of history enabled him to bring the subject to life, and his gentle nature and patience positively impacted many.
Mark will be remembered by family and friends as a thoughtful, nurturing and caring man with a dry sense of humor and a well-rounded knowledge of past and current events. A very considerate man, he consistently put the needs of others before his own. Family was always his top priority, but he also loved his dogs, hiking, spending time outdoors and reading. His family will miss his historical anecdotes and funny stories.
Mark was preceded in death by his mother and father. He is survived by Susan Jefka, his wife of 46 years; daughter Eve Jefka (Jonathan Luedee) of Newfoundland, Canada; son Ben Jefka (Julia) of Vermont; grandchildren Owen Luedee, Isaac Jefka, and Max Jefka; brother, Myron Jefka (Corinna) of Michigan; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be planned for this coming summer. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to TRU Community Care at www.trucare.org/donate or by mail at 2594 Trailridge Drive East, Lafayette, CO 80026.
