Mark James Kennett, 60, beloved husband, father, g-pa and friend, died suddenly of a heart attack February 4, 2021 at his family farm. A celebration of Mark's life will occur when it is safe to gather again in the fall. In the meantime, you may remember Mark by donating a tree to be planted in our National Forests. Mark was born in Kaiapoi, New Zealand to Phil and Janice Kennett. His adventurous journey began when he met his life partner and co-pilot, Marilyn in 1978, while she was studying in New Zealand. Their love story continued across the ocean while Mark pursued his love of the outdoors at the New Zealand Forest Service and Marilyn completed her education in Iowa. They traveled the world together and were united in marriage in Grinnell, Iowa in 1985. In Mark and Marilyn's 43 years together, their greatest joy was raising their two children, Scott and Amy. When the children were young, the family moved back to New Zealand so the children could experience their New Zealand heritage where they were surrounded by Mark's loving family. Five years later, they returned to Iowa where Mark took on the management of the family farm, and in 2003 he became an American citizen. Despite having never farmed before, he went on to become an agronomic expert and assisted his network of friends who often relied upon his expertise and guidance. In 2009, he pursued his lifelong dream of helicopter piloting. In 2018 Mark completed the fly Iowa challenge, becoming the first pilot to land a gyrocopter at every Iowa airport. He proved that Kiwis can fly. Mark was driven by his need to help others. He was a special and rare person that could spark a friendship after one conversation. Mark was a man of incredible character and integrity who was always there for anyone. Everything good in the world was in Mark Kennett. Mark was preceded in death by his father Phil Kennett, and stepfather Athol Cattermole both of Kaiapoi, New Zealand. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Marilyn (nee Raffety), son Scott (Kerry) Kennett and grandchildren Kieran and Eloise of Sackets Harbor, NY, and daughter Amy Kennett of Philadelphia, PA, his mother Janice Cattermole of Kaiapoi, New Zealand, sister Keiry (Derek) Belton of Wellington, New Zealand, and brother Bryce Kennett of Kaiapoi, New Zealand. In addition, he also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and numerous friends all over the world. The family encourages donations to the Station Club House fund held by the Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation to continue Mark's generous spirit of helping others. Donations may be directed in c/o Smith Funeral Home or see https://greaterpcf.org/product/station-clubhouse-fund/ .