In Memory of Mark Vogenthaler

Seonghwa

Aug 10

Written By Youth and Young Adult Ministry

Mark Vogenthaler

Spouse: Keiko Sato
Children: James, Thomas, Amy
Birthdate: July 9, 1956
Blessing: 1989
Ascension: August 6, 2023
Seonghwa Ceremony: August 15, 2023

Mark Vogenthaler was born in July of 1956 in Denver, Colorado. He grew up in an adoptive family along with his sister, Janet. In 1977, Mark was traveling in San Francisco and met Leona Didsbury, who introduced him to the Unified Family. Soon enough, he had joined the Unification Church as an active member.

Mark supported witnessing and fundraising activities in Oakland and was the first to introduce foil laser prints. He later joined Leona and her husband in Flushing, Queens, where he participated in Home Church activities.

In 1983, Mark returned to his hometown of Denver and was involved in business activities before being blessed in marriage to his wife, Keiko Sato in 1989.

During Father Moon’s 50 state tour in 2001, Mark traveled to all multiple states to record True Father’s informal speeches to members. Mark and Keiko have continued to faithfully support church activities in the Denver area until the present day.

Mark was always there at church events, and he was always the first one to ask questions. He never seemed to run out of questions and was always searching for the truth. He longed to see our daily practices match up with our ideals, and he never forgot the original heart of God he experienced when he first joined the movement.

Mark is survived by his wife, Keiko; his sons, James and Thomas; his daughter, Amy; and his grandson, Atticus.

A reflection from Mark and Keiko’s older son, James:

“Our dad had a great passion for life, his family, and so many things. He was always there whenever life would happen. In fact, he made a point of being there especially when life happened. He got our family through any hardship that came our way. Our father was deeply sentimental and always made sure to bring our family together for every occasion he could. He loved family dinners and gatherings more than anything. He would always find any reason to celebrate even the smallest of accomplishments we had. He made the best barbeque, and he loved cooking for anyone who would ask. There were so many things we loved about our father even with his shortcomings. But most of all, he never stopped trying. He never stopped wanting to do more for us whenever he could and was always looking for ways to contribute or be part of our lives, no matter how big or small. Now it's our turn to do everything we can to honor our father and the legacy of love he left for us.”