Mark Allen “Lotzie” Loutzenhiser, 43, passed away Thursday, Oct. 26, 2006 in the line of duty while fighting the Esperanza Fire. Mark was born Nov. 2, 1962 in San Diego and moved to his current home of Idyllwild in 1976.

Starting with the U.S. Forest Service at age 18, being a firefighter was Mark’s only career.

When he wasn’t working, Mark enjoyed coordinating Town Hall Adult Volleyball, coaching the Town Hall Youth Basketball League, and being assistant coach for the Idyllwild Girls Middle School Volleyball Team. Mark also was an avid Steelers fan.

Mark devoted his life to his five children and their sports activities. He was a beloved member and respected captain of the San Jacinto Ranger District’s fire staff.

Mark is survived by his loving wife, Maria Isabel Loutzenhiser; a son, Jacob Russell Loutzenhiser; daughters Tesha Bree Loutzenhiser and Savanah Maria Loutzenhiser; twin sons Seth Michael and Kyle Kirby Loutzenhiser; his parents, Russell and Pauline Loutzenhiser of Bermuda Dunes; two sisters, brothers-in-law and their children, Cheryl and Howard Brown of Bermuda Dunes, and Beth and Steve Pachman of Marysville; a brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Sue Loutzenhiser of Hemet; and many other relatives and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in his memory to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation Engine 57, www.wffoundation.org/support/inmemory.html.

A Firefighter’s Prayer
When I am called to duty, God, wherever the flames may rage,
Give me strength to save some life whatever be its age.
Help me embrace a little child before it is too late
Or save an older person from the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout
And quickly and efficiently to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me,
To guard my every neighbor and protect his property.
And if according to my fate I am to lose my life,
Please bless with your protecting hand my children and my wife.