- Born on: February 29, 1956
- Departed on: August 3, 2026
- Resided in: West Liberty, IA
Mark Earnest Vetter
Mark “Virg” “Poncho” Earnest Vetter passed away peacefully at his home on August 3, 2026, to go on and play first base in his Field of Dreams.
He was born on February 29, 1956—a Leap Year baby—to Virgil and Jane Vetter. We always joked that he never actually reached adulthood. By Leap Year calculations, he was only 17½ years young when he departed. His grandchildren loved reminding him they were older than Grandpa Virg, which always brought peals of laughter. In reality, he was 70 years old.
Mark grew up on the family farm south of West Liberty, Iowa, alongside his brothers Steve, Brian, and Scott (“Hobo”). He was preceded in death by his baby brother, Jeff; his nephew, Dane; his parents, Virgil and Jane; and his grandparents.
As a farm boy, he was his dad’s right-hand man, earning the nickname “Virg.” He loved raising pigs and playing sports, especially slow-pitch softball.
His father also owned a small farm south of Nichols, Iowa, where Mark spent countless hours and days. He chipped ice out of his grandpa’s freezer at the family store, drank soda, and listened as the locals swapped stories, news, and, of course, a few tall tales. Before long, he had become one of the “Nichols Boys.”
Years later, whenever Mark walked into Burt’s Tap in Nichols, voices would rise as friends called out his name and the stories would begin all over again. Not many of those Nichols Boys are still with us today. It’s a dying breed, but one Mark cherished deeply. He never tired of telling stories, and he loved making people laugh. Truthfully, he never met a stranger.
Mark married Jan Beaver VeDepo nearly 20 years after his dog, Blackie, bit her on the backside as she rode her bike past the Vetter farm. He hid Blackie in the barn for days afterward. It’s a true story—one that was told countless times.
They were married on November 23, 1990.
He leaves behind his beloved wife, Jan; his stepchildren, Kory, Angela, and Jody (Joe); and 12 grandchildren, whom he entertained endlessly with his stories, jokes, and playful antics. He was deeply loved and will be remembered not only for his sense of humor but also for the kindness, grace, and forgiveness with which he faced life’s hurdles.
After graduating from high school, Mark worked at Starkist and later Farm Service, once again making lifelong friends and collecting stories that became family legends. One favorite involved meeting Morris the Cat after creating a cat food recipe at Starkist in Muscatine. According to Mark, they loved it so much they tried to recruit him to move to California. Embellished? Maybe. But with Mark, that was part of the fun.
He then spent more than 30 years at Millard—now Lineage Logistics—a refrigerated warehouse in Iowa City. Through hard work and dedication, he became the plant superintendent. He loved his job…until he didn’t. As more and more technology found its way into the workplace, Mark decided it was time to retire, about eight years ago.
His nickname “Poncho” was given to him by his beloved Hispanic coworkers, a name he wore with great pride. He adored them, and they adored him. He was always invited to break time, where he enjoyed what he insisted was the best Mexican food he’d ever eaten. They spoiled him, and he treasured those friendships.
A memorial celebration of Virg’s life will be held on Saturday, October 17, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the West Liberty Country Club in West Liberty, Iowa.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mark’s name to Iowa City Hospice. Their compassion and care meant so much to our family.
In the meantime, be good to one another. You never know what burdens someone may be carrying.
And in the infamous words Virg shared with us so many times:
“Everything will be all right.”
He was such a lovable liar.
Love you, Virg.
Your family
He was born on February 29, 1956—a Leap Year baby—to Virgil and Jane Vetter. We always joked that he never actually reached adulthood. By Leap Year calculations, he was only 17½ years young when he departed. His grandchildren loved reminding him they were older than Grandpa Virg, which always brought peals of laughter. In reality, he was 70 years old.
Mark grew up on the family farm south of West Liberty, Iowa, alongside his brothers Steve, Brian, and Scott (“Hobo”). He was preceded in death by his baby brother, Jeff; his nephew, Dane; his parents, Virgil and Jane; and his grandparents.
As a farm boy, he was his dad’s right-hand man, earning the nickname “Virg.” He loved raising pigs and playing sports, especially slow-pitch softball.
His father also owned a small farm south of Nichols, Iowa, where Mark spent countless hours and days. He chipped ice out of his grandpa’s freezer at the family store, drank soda, and listened as the locals swapped stories, news, and, of course, a few tall tales. Before long, he had become one of the “Nichols Boys.”
Years later, whenever Mark walked into Burt’s Tap in Nichols, voices would rise as friends called out his name and the stories would begin all over again. Not many of those Nichols Boys are still with us today. It’s a dying breed, but one Mark cherished deeply. He never tired of telling stories, and he loved making people laugh. Truthfully, he never met a stranger.
Mark married Jan Beaver VeDepo nearly 20 years after his dog, Blackie, bit her on the backside as she rode her bike past the Vetter farm. He hid Blackie in the barn for days afterward. It’s a true story—one that was told countless times.
They were married on November 23, 1990.
He leaves behind his beloved wife, Jan; his stepchildren, Kory, Angela, and Jody (Joe); and 12 grandchildren, whom he entertained endlessly with his stories, jokes, and playful antics. He was deeply loved and will be remembered not only for his sense of humor but also for the kindness, grace, and forgiveness with which he faced life’s hurdles.
After graduating from high school, Mark worked at Starkist and later Farm Service, once again making lifelong friends and collecting stories that became family legends. One favorite involved meeting Morris the Cat after creating a cat food recipe at Starkist in Muscatine. According to Mark, they loved it so much they tried to recruit him to move to California. Embellished? Maybe. But with Mark, that was part of the fun.
He then spent more than 30 years at Millard—now Lineage Logistics—a refrigerated warehouse in Iowa City. Through hard work and dedication, he became the plant superintendent. He loved his job…until he didn’t. As more and more technology found its way into the workplace, Mark decided it was time to retire, about eight years ago.
His nickname “Poncho” was given to him by his beloved Hispanic coworkers, a name he wore with great pride. He adored them, and they adored him. He was always invited to break time, where he enjoyed what he insisted was the best Mexican food he’d ever eaten. They spoiled him, and he treasured those friendships.
A memorial celebration of Virg’s life will be held on Saturday, October 17, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the West Liberty Country Club in West Liberty, Iowa.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mark’s name to Iowa City Hospice. Their compassion and care meant so much to our family.
In the meantime, be good to one another. You never know what burdens someone may be carrying.
And in the infamous words Virg shared with us so many times:
“Everything will be all right.”
He was such a lovable liar.
Love you, Virg.
Your family
