Mark's Story
The Beginning...
Mark Duhrkoop started Return Ministries in 2012, utilizing his 22+ years of experience working with families at-risk or in crisis, utilizing mediation, counseling and training to help individuals and families overcome the challenges they face and become role models in their communities. With both undergraduate and graduate degrees in education and counseling; his experience allowed him to teach internationally as well as work cross-culturally and generationally here in the states. Early in his career he spent four years working with the youth and families affected by the gang culture in East Los Angeles. His experience led him into leadership roles with local non-profits dealing with challenging communities with a focus on poverty and addiction.
Dealing with challenging people and conflict resolution was a daily aspect of families and communities dealing with addiction, financial strain, and cultural struggle in its many forms. Mark saw first-hand, and was a part of helping more than a hundred families, and even whole communities, move beyond these challenges and realize peace in their daily lives. Managing and directing both small and large non-profits or programs provided a good understanding of the interaction between boards, management, staff and clients. Furthermore, his experience in working with various agencies on strategy and training provided for the opportunity for groups to work on communication, productivity and leadership development.
As a "reformed pastor's kid," an ordained minister and non-traditional church planter, an understanding of church dynamics, obedience-based discipleship, Discovery process and strategic ministry planning fueled his training sessions.
As Mark worked with families dealing with aging and transitioning parents, he drew upon his own experience being one of six siblings who have dealt with the difficulties of moving to the care-giver role and preparing for end-of life decisions. An understanding of family systems and the destructive nature and process of conflict informed his approach to helping families create plans that honor the desires and needs of our loved ones.
2018 to Present...
In February 2018, Mark suffered two strokes, leaving him in a coma for 3 weeks and in the hospital for a total of 165 days. During this time, many doctors told Mark's wife Annie that he would be unable to function upon leaving the hospital. However, Annie held hope and while in the hospital, Mark began to move his hands, feet, and began to become more cognitively aware. The next step was finding a place for Mark to live while he received the intense care he required.
In June 2018, the Duhrkoop family moved Mark into an adult foster care home where he would be cared for by an incredible team of caretakers. These caretakers cared for Mark as though he was their family. This situation felt a little like home as the staff was from Ethiopia, and both Mark and Annie had their previous experiences in Africa. It was in this home that Mark would be cared for, receive physical, occupational and speech therapy, and begin the long healing process. While here, the caretakers made it a point to transport Mark to church, family events, and concert performances for his son Reid.
As Mark continued to heal, his wife Annie took over responsibility for Return Ministries. This meant shifting some of the ministry's focus and service areas to reflect the kind of ministry Annie could provide. Through Mark's story and Annie's history of cancer, she became a mentor for many individuals and families going through similar trials. As Annie moved forward in ministry, Mark was always there with an ear to listen even though he could not speak. It was clear that he was supportive and proud through how he would engage as Annie would talk to him about the ministry she was doing. She looked forward to the day that they would be doing ministry again hand in hand.
This dream however was shaken when on the morning of November 26th, the day after spending thanksgiving with his family, Mark passed away suddenly while his caretakers were preparing him for his day. The unstoppable ministry team that served together for over 25 years now is a team of one. While this trial is a whole new journey of grief to walk through, Return Ministries desires to continue Mark's legacy. A legacy of bringing HOPE to otherwise hopeless situations. To show that even in situations where we may not understand, where things do not go how we plan or dream, we have a Heavenly Father that can bring HOPE and healing.
Mark is survived by his wife Annie, his daughter Onalee, and his son Reid. Over the last years, Annie has taken Mark's role as President of Return Ministries, providing mentorship to individuals going through various trials and journeys. Onalee (27) is a special education teacher and worship leader in Yakima, WA. Reid (23) is a Senior at Portland State University, pursuing a masters degree in Music Education, focusing on choral teaching.
In Memory of Mark Alan Duhrkoop April 5th, 1966 - November 26th, 2021