Wichita, KS — Mark Gietzen, 69, a well-known Kansas pro-life and political activist, died in a small plane crash in Nebraska on May 16, 2023.
“Mark Gietzen was one of the hardest working pro-lifers I’ve ever known. He gave sacrificially of himself to save children and help women and families in need. His tireless leadership will be deeply missed,” said long-time friend Troy Newman, President of Operation Rescue.
Gietzen was raised in North Dakota and served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a young man. After his service to his country, he moved to Wichita and became interested in aviation. He owned a small business where he provided services as a flight instructor.
Gietzen was a hard-working activist in the pro-life movement and in the political arena. He was influential in the Republican Party takeover of Kansas politics in the 1990’s. He served for many years as the President of the Kansas Republican Assembly. He recently became involved in the voter integrity movement, paying for a recount of the Kansas Value them Both Amendment, a pro-life initiative that inexplicably lost in November 2022, despite an overwhelming state-wide pro-life voter base.
But Gietzen’s real passion was for his pro-life work. As the Director of the Kansas Coalition for Life, Gietzen gladly took on the huge task of organizing a pro-life presence outside Wichita abortion facilities each hour they were open. Thanks to his leadership, the lives of over 600 babies have been confirmed saved from abortion when their mothers made decisions in favor of life.
Gietzen also cared deeply for the women who found themselves pregnant in difficult circumstances. He created a program for needy “Lifesaver Moms,” which committed to paying necessary monthly expenses, such as utilities or rent, until their child reached the age of 18 years.
Mark Gietzen will be interred in his home state of North Dakota.
A memorial service and mass are planned for the Wichita, Kansas, area on May 26-27, 2023, which will be presided over by Bishop Joseph L. Coffee from the Archdiocese of the Military Services, USA. Bishop Coffey who is also a pro-life advocate who participated pro-life ministry with Operation Rescue in the early 1990’s and continues to be involved in pro-life activities nationwide.
Friday, May 26, 2023, at 6:00 pm
Rosary in honor of Mark Gietzen
Church of the Blessed Sacrament
124 N. Roosevelt St. Wichita, KS 67208
Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 8:00 am
Prayer to End Abortion
Please join Bishop Coffee for prayer outside the Trust Women abortion facility at 5017 E. Kellogg Dr., Wichita, KS 67218, prior to the memorial service.
Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 10:00 am
Mass and Memorial Service
Church of the Blessed Sacrament
124 N. Roosevelt St. Wichita, KS 67208
Following the service, a meal will be served in the Parish Hall.
