Mark Dairel Schrimpf

The loved ones of Mark Dairel Schrimpf, of Kansas City, Missouri, born April 26, 1942, mourn his sudden death at home April 3, 2024, apparently of a massive coronary event. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, community members, business associates…

He is preceded in death by parents Paul and Lenia (Boots) Schrimpf, sisters Jody (Schrimpf) Tierney and Janice (Schrimpf) Pippin, as well as many dear aunts and uncles. Mark is survived by children Karl Schrimpf with wife Kim, and Deborah (Schrimpf) Griffin with husband Cody; granddaughter Carole (Schrimpf) Haas with great-grandchildren Gabe, Iris, Triton, and Athena Haas; sisters Elizabeth Schrimpf and Christinia (Schrimpf) Snow with husband Jeff Harris; and brothers John Schrimpf with wife Gail, and Charles Schrimpf with wife Karen; as well as beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mark’s family and friends will celebrate his life at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 13 at the St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 11822 Holmes Rd., Kansas City, MO 64131. Visitation begins at 9:30 a.m. When the service concludes, all are invited to a small gathering of food and fellowship at Mark’s home, 4515 Hedges Ave., Kansas City, MO 64131. Interment will follow at the Resurrection Cemetery, 3015 W. Truman Blvd., Jefferson City, MO 65109, time TBD.

Mark was born to Paul and Lenia Schrimpf in Bedford, Indiana, on April 26, 1942. He lived parts of his life in Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, Texas, and Virginia. At the time of his passing, he lived a few miles from his boyhood home in Independence and not far from his alma mater, Rockhurst High School. After graduation, Mark studied at Washington University in St. Louis and took night classes through the University of Virginia.

Mark worked hard, loved intensely, valued family, and was fiercely loyal. He was also blunt, truthful, and would tell someone if they had bad breath or foul manners. He pragmatically followed rules yet sometimes rebelled. He loved tenderly and always tried to conduct himself like a calm gentleman. 

Mark showed initiative and ambition early, earning the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. He practiced the scouting mantra of preparedness throughout his life, becoming known as reliable, loyal, intelligent, and forward-thinking. Later in life, he faced changes and challenges directly and worked hard to remain healthy and independent. He grew old with grace but declared frequently: “This aging bit isn’t for wimps.”

He loved to eat, enjoyed good meals, and did not deny being a foodie. He enjoyed gourmet fare at the fanciest establishments, as well as basic foods and homemade dishes. Mark had a dry sense of humor and liked to laugh. His fun-loving and adventurous side found him sailing boats in the northeast and scuba diving in locations around the globe. Mark crossed another item off his bucket list when he dove out of a perfectly good airplane so he would know how skydiving feels. He traveled: Alaska, Australia, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and many of the United States. 

In his early career, Mark was a publishing consultant for such organizations as the Army-Navy Times, Guns Illustrated and other publications, then later consulted with Texas Monthly and D Magazine. Next, he trained to be a tax examiner for the Internal Revenue Service, working into supervisory positions and serving taxpayers for more than 20 years. 

Upon retirement, Mark continued his education to become an Enrolled Agent, a tax expert authorized to help people with complicated and problem situations with the IRS. Most who knew Mark saw a congenial, neat, clean, upstanding man willing to help if possible. 

His family and friends mourn the loss of his company on Earth, but they know Mark eagerly anticipated “going home to glory” when his time came. He was not only a devout Catholic but also a man of deep faith and integrity.

In documents pertaining to his final wishes, Mark quoted Alfred Lord Tennyson saying, “And may there be no moaning of the bar, when I put out to sea.” The full poem:

Crossing the Bar

By Alfred Lord Tennyson

Sunset and evening star

And one clear call for me!

And may there be no moaning of the bar,

When I put out to sea,

But such a tide as moving seems asleep,

Too full for sound and foam,

When that which drew from out the boundless deep

Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,

And after that the dark!

And may there be no sadness of farewell,

When I embark;

For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place

The flood may bear me far,

I hope to see my Pilot face to face

When I have crost the bar.