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Allyson Magnaye
Professor Wieder
English Comp1113
4 October 12
“The Ability To Have Special Things Does Not Come Easy”
Throughout the countless people we come across in our lives daily, at the end
of the day Mark Kreul has been and will continue to be the ultimate teacher
towards many. John Quincy Adams once said: “ If your actions inspire others to
dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” (1)
Whether one has known Mark for thirty seconds, or thirty years, it is imaginable
they will feel the immediate hospitality within the time given.
Mark Kreul born August 16th, 1963 and raised on a small family farm in
Fennimore, Wisconsin. Mark was known as the “ol’ farm boy” who was
determined to work hard for what he wanted. He grew up spending plenty of
time with his brother Ed showing Angus cattle at major beef shows such as
Chicago and Louisville while balancing school and family life. If you mention
“Mark Kreul” to someone in the town and it is likely they will take the time to
share the laughs and memories shared between the two. Of the many things,
Mark enjoyed Western Art, famous Hollywood actors such as Roy Rogers,
helping others succeed, and philanthropy.
He stayed active in such activities such as 4-H, FFA and band. “FFA” is
known as future farmers of America, and is an organization that helps young
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people develop careers (2). Through the days of childhood, Mark earned many
awards, not only on the placement of his steers and heifers, but won the
showmanship. He has made some lifetime friends through the cattle shows all
over the United States. Mark grew up under the care of his mother Dana who is a
first grade teacher, along with his father Roger who is a farmer and rancher. To
this day, Mark and his younger brother Ed still share the treasured memories
from childhood to bring good laughs when needed.
Upon graduating from high school, Mark got accepted into University of
Wisconsin, in Madison, Wisconsin. Mother Dana states, “I was worried how a
young farm boy was going to do in a large University system,” although she did
not need to worry as he graduated high school with honors. Quickly after the
years of college passed by, Mark pushed himself onto receive his masters at Iowa
State. You may ask yourself, “Was this the end of his learning?”… No, he was
accepted into Oklahoma State University and earned his doctorate degree. With
his background in Microbiology and food safety, Mark’s career took him to
Southern California. Instantly, Mark succeeded and obtained a job with the In-NOut Burger Corporation while receiving the title as manager of Food Safety and
Technical Services.
Still, eight years after his arrival to California, Mark remains as manager of
Food Safety and Technical Services. Mark met his sweetheart Loida, in 2005. She
also works for the company as an Administrative Assistant in the New
Construction Department. Mark became a big part of Loida’s life, along with her
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two daughters Allyson and Kathleen. Shortly after the death of the two girls’
father Ernie, Kathleen departed to New York to start a family of her own and
Mark became more involved in Allyson’s life as a fatherly figure. She claims, “He
never treats me less than a daughter of his own.” Of the many accomplishments
Mark has made throughout his lifetime, Ally thinks the biggest accomplishment
he has done was helping her grow up. “I would not be the person I am today if it
weren’t for Mark” Ally says. She believes that Mark is her role model and dreams
to be as successful as him. Throughout all the struggles Ally has faced, Mark
never failed to be there for her.
To illustrate, Mark helped Ally overcome the challenges of high school, face the
trials of a young teenager, smile through good and bad days, and most
importantly be thankful for everything. He has been the number one volleyball
fan for all teams Ally has played on. Mark has served as a shoulder to lean on, a
role model to follow, and a positive leader for the last eight years of both Ally and
Kathleen’s life. Presently, Mark still enjoys youth assisting to succeed in reaching
their goals. One of the many characteristics one will see in him is the act of
putting others before himself. Regardless of what the situation he is in, Mark is
the type of guy to care for those in need of help.
The best words to describe Mark Kreul are “Role Model.” He is someone to
look up to, to follow in footsteps, and learn life lessons. It is guaranteed that
Mark will give one the help he or she may need. Mark is willing to do what it
takes to get where the goal needs to be met. During birthdays and special
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holidays, it is always exciting to look towards receiving great gifts. You can say
thank you a countless number of times for the “best gift ever,” but through all the
hard work and dedication, Mark always says, “The ability to have nice things
doesn’t come easy.” He loves to see the smiles he puts on his families faces once
gifts have been opened. Although his biggest lesson is to teach out of opening
gifts, is that one day, he would hope for the kids to work just as hard as he did so
they would be able to share their blessings to others.