Mark Anthony Senftner died on Saturday, October 15, 2022. He was 60 years young. Mark’s battle with brain cancer, and its lingering effects, was approached with the same zest and toughness he used throughout his coaching career.
Mass of Christian Burial was held Friday, October 21, 2022 at the Sully Buttes School Gym with interment at the Onida Cemetery. Feigum Funeral Home of Pierre was in charge of arrangements.
Mark was born on April 30, 1962 to Clarence and Jean (Keller) Senftner in McLaughlin. Mark spent his early years on the farm. He loved competing. He loved to be outside playing around the neighborhoods of McLaughlin. He loved anything to do with a ball and a scoreboard and this passion guided him his entire life. Football, basketball, baseball, track, tennis, golf, and even board games provided him with many hours of enjoyment. He was a member of the McLaughlin Class of 1980 and played in the State basketball tournaments his junior and seniors years.
Mark graduated from Northern State University in Aberdeen with his teaching/coaching degree in 1985. During finals week his senior year, Mark met another college student who had also had a difficult day on finals….Lynn Daughters.
From 1985 to 1990 he taught physical education and business classes at Roscoe. During this time, he
April 30, 1962 – October 15, 2022
was still unable to shake his adoring fan Lynn, so on the only free weekend between the state softball tournament and the coaches clinic, they were married on July 25,1987 in Winner.
The couple moved to Gregory where he coached girls' basketball, boys' basketball, and football during his 8-year career as a Gorilla. During their time in Gregory, they expanded the roster adding sons Tate Benjamin in 1992 and Scott Robert in 1996.
Mark’s career took an incredible turn upon the decision to move to Timber Lake in the fall of 1998. In his first season with the Panthers, his team qualified for the State B Tournament. Mark often spoke of how tough, coachable, and fun this team was. While at Timber Lake, Mark served as business teacher, basketball coach for both girls and boys, and athletic director. The Senftners will forever cherish their time in Timber Lake. Saying goodbye to the school and community was one of the most difficult decisions the family ever made.
Team Senftner moved to Onida in the summer of 2005. Mark was able to enjoy his students and athletes immensely. His competitive spirit and stubborn streak paired with a talented pool of student athletes, administrative backing, and supportive parents were the perfect equation for some special teams for 17 years. Mark worked hard. He prepared and over prepared. He was always scouting, always watching tape, and the notes and plays drawn up on programs from his travels fill folders and desk drawers. His passion was teaching the games he so loved. Stern but kind, competitive but compassionate, soft spoken but incredibly sarcastic, he was unapologetically old school.
A tote in the garage holds plaques and awards from various associations never displayed because Mark wasn’t interested in recognition. He was interested in people. He was strong in faith. He cherished the memories made coaching and staying in touch with former students, coaching colleagues and friends who made his life rich and incredible.
Mark is preceded in death by his son Tate, and sister Julie, along with his grandparents, and aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Left on the roster to mourn his passing are his wife Lynn, and son Scott; his parents, Jean and Clarence Senftner of Selby; sisters Barb (Matt) Sheppard, Carol (Keith) Kracke; brother Tom (Kari) Senftner; sisterin- law Amy Daughters; brotherin- law Ted Daughters; nieces and nephews Nathan, Kyle, and Zachary Sheppard; Kadin Kracke; Marriann and Brit Senftner; his godchild Molly (Grayson) Pirner and many Keller/ Senftner cousins.
(Lynn Senftner’s address is PO Box 88, Onida, SD 57564)