Mark A. Wedemeyer Obituary (2026)

Obituary for Mark Arden Wedemeyer Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Mark Arden Wedemeyer July 17, 1956 – February 12, 2026 Mark Wedemeyer, a long-time resident of Idaho City, passed away on February 12, 2026, in Boise, where he succumbed to pneumonia. Mark was a beloved spouse, family member, friend, and community icon known for his kindness, generosity, and camaraderie with his friends who met for stories and drinks at Harley’s Pub and The Gold Mine Bar and Grill. Mark touched many lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Mark was born July 17, 1956, in Columbus, Ohio. He is the oldest of six children to Jack Wedemeyer and his mother Grace (Sheaf) Wedemeyer. The family grew up in Powell, Ohio on a large farm that boarded horses, raised beef cattle, and grew crops such as soybeans, hay, and straw. Mark and several of his childhood friends took to the road in the 1970s hitchhiking across the country and returned to Powell with stories from the road. Mark came to Idaho City in 1999 and knew immediately this was his new home. Even though he was on his way to Alaska, Idaho City claimed his heart. He met Joan Pelley in the early 2000s, and they were a couple after their first date stargazing and were later married in 2022. They shared their home with beloved bulldog named Ginger, who was missed terribly after she died. Throughout Idaho City, Mark knew many residents through his work as a chimney sweep and painter. Mark took pride in his many projects throughout the town that he worked on over the years. His career was cut short due to an injury, but he remained close to all these people. Mark is survived by his spouse Joan Pelley, and four of his five siblings, all of whom have the initials MAW: Matthew Aron (Phoenix); Malinda (Mindy) Ann (Steve Steward) (Delaware, OH); Mary Anna (Powell, OH); and M. Aric (Las Vegas). Mark also has numerous nieces and nephews. Mark was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Grace, his brother Michael A. (Delaware, OH), and his sister-in-law Cynthia (Matthew’s wife). They shared a loving family life and Mark fondly spoke about and to his parents and his Grandma Sheaf after their passing. A Celebration of Life will be held in Idaho City at a future date and will have a Zoom option for those unable to attend in person.