Mark Yother, long-time KCCK air personality and program host, died January 28th after a sudden illness.
A native of Cheyenne, Wyoming,in 1941, Mark received his BA from Colorado State College, now the University of Northern Colorado, and a Masters in Music from Indiana University.
Mark planned to be an elementary school music teacher, but the U.S. Air Force sent to Korea and made him a newscaster for American Forces Network, and broadcasting became his lifelong career and passion for more than forty years..
Mark came to Cedar Rapids in 1970 as an anchor and reporter for KCRG. He began his career at KCCK in 1977 as news director, and also worked for a while in the Kirkwood Community Education department. For most of his radio career, he hosted a daily music show on KCCK, as well as the movie review program Talking Pictures. He also did a daily humorous commentary, “Got A Minute,” which recently surpassed 5,700 episodes.
He had a sharp and wicked sense of humor and knew more jokes than anyone could possibly imagine.
He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Helen Yother of Bloomfield, Connecticut. A memorial service will be held at Tommy’s West Restaurant at a later date.
Mark’s KCCK family and the family of listeners who tuned in each day for companionship and fine music will miss him greatly. Dennis Green will host a special tribute to Mark during Sunday Morning Swing at 7am Sunday, January 31, featuring Mark’s favorite songs and even some of his humorous poetry.
Funeral arrangements are pending at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service.
A memorial fund has been established at KCCK to remember Mark. Visit www.kcck.org/donate for more information.