In Loving of Mark Alan Jansen, DVM

Mark Alan Jansen, DVM, age 59, of Raton, passed away on November 13, 2014. Mark was at home surrounded by his family.

Mark was born May 14, 1955 in Carroll, Iowa, the youngest of Harry and Irene Ranniger Jansen’s five children. He spent his childhood on the family farm in Manning, Iowa.

Mark graduated from Manning High School in 1973 then attended Iowa State University earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology in 1977. Mark became and remained a fanatical supporter of the ISU Cyclones. He returned to Ames to pursue his professional dream and graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1987.

In 1989 Mark solidified his personal and professional goals when he moved to Raton, N.M. accepting a position at Raton Animal Hospital. He took ownership of the clinic in 1991, and retired in 2013. During his extraordinary 22 year veterinary career Mark treated small, large and exotic animals. He especially enjoyed the challenge and precision of surgery as well as the outdoor appeal of working cows and bison. His role as primary veterinarian at the Colorado Equid Sanctuary near Wagon Mound, NM was a highlight of his veterinary career. His responsibilities included coordinating ongoing and acute veterinary care for exotics such as zebras, Przewalski horses and other endangered equine species.

Vermejo Park Ranch was Mark’s second home. Mark and Stephanie met at Vermejo and were married in 1984. He worked for 33 years guiding bow and rifle elk, deer, antelope and turkey hunts. He was respected and sought after by ranch clients for his knowledge, skill and record of success. As important, he was much admired by his fellow guides for his fairness and unassuming leadership and he developed deep and lasting friendships among them. He knew peace and happiness in the mountain meadows where the elk grazed and the alpine lakes and streams of the high country. His family spent many memorable days fishing and camping at this very special place.

Mark was a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the New Mexico Veterinary Medical Association, the Academy of Rural Veterinarians and the National Rifle Association. Mark was a practicing member of the Cimarron United Methodist Church. He was an accomplished thespian performing in many productions on the Shuler Theater stage. His most memorable roles included performances for many years as Bob Cratchit and other roles in A Christmas Carol, a creepy Jonathan Brewster in Arsenic and Old Lace and most recently, a favored Costazuela brother in The Odd Couple. Mark also served the City of Raton on the Public Service board.

Mark is preceded in death by his parents and brother Randall. He is survived by his wife Stephanie, son Lucas and daughter Kristina of the home; brothers Dale Jansen of Des Moines, Iowa and Curt Jansen of Cody, Wyoming; sister Marilyn Jansen of Denver, Colorado; brother-in-law Paul Munden of Leawood, Kansas, and Richard Munden of Waukesha, Wisconsin. Mark is also survived by nephew Scott Jansen, his wife Sheila, children Kylee and Brandon; nephew Matt Jansen, his wife Gina, children Zoe and Dylan; nephew Seth Jansen, his wife Mary Elena; niece Lily Jansen; niece Tracy Salazar and family; niece Michal Munden and nephew Taylor Munden. Also survived by Aunts, cousins and many life long friends.

Memorial services for Mark A. Jansen DVM, will be held on Saturday November 22, 2014 at 11:00 a.m., at the Raton Convention Center with Rev. Ellen Swain officiating. Arrangements and celebration of love for Mark A. Jansen DVM are under the direction of the Yaksich-Long Funeral Home of Raton.