It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Mark Steven Sanderbeck, a beloved brother, uncle, and friend, who departed this life on September 24, 2025, at the age of 75. Born on December 14, 1949, in St. Louis, Missouri, Mark lived a life filled with adventure, creativity, and compassion, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by all who knew him.
Mark was the son of Victor Sanderbeck and Virginia Barbier Sanderbeck. He is survived by his loving brothers, Brian and Kirk Sanderbeck, along with many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins who will forever hold him dear in their hearts.
A veteran, Mark served in the Army during the Vietnam War. After his military service, he pursued his passion for storytelling through the lens of a camera, becoming a talented photojournalist. His work not only captured moments but also narrated the human experience, bringing awareness to the beauty and struggles of life through his evocative imagery.
Mark was not only defined by his professional achievements but also by his zest for life. He had a profound love of travel and adventure, often seeking new experiences. Whether it was hiking in the mountains, strolling through foreign cities, or discovering hidden gems off the beaten path, Mark embraced the world with open arms and an open heart.
His spirit was as vibrant as the landscapes and cultures he loved to photograph. He was a friend to many and a confidant to countless others, always ready to listen and offer support. His enthusiasm for life inspired those around him to seize each day and cherish every moment.
Mark spent his final days in Branson, Missouri, where he continued to enjoy life surrounded by the natural beauty that he loved. He faced his battle with lung cancer with the same bravery he demonstrated throughout his life, embodying grace and resilience even in his final days.
As we remember Mark Steven Sanderbeck, let us celebrate a life beautifully lived. A man who captured the world through his lens and shared his adventures with everyone around him. His memory will forever remain alive in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were touched by his light.
Mark, you will be profoundly missed, but your spirit will live on in the stories we share and the memories we cherish.
SERVICES: Funeral from Kutis Affton Chapel (10151 Gravois Road Affton, Missouri 63123) on Monday, October 13, 10:00 a.m. Interment Park Lawn Cemetery. Visitation Sunday 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Mark was a beloved, cherished photographer for our Suburban Journal newspapers. His award-winning photos adorned our countless editions. Mark and I went on endless assignments together, and his cherished shots made every edition special. Everyone in sports admired his eye for the key moments in action–it could be football, basketball, baseball, swimming anything.
Mark posted his work and thoughts often on Facebook as he traveled, and I really enjoyed our comments; keeping in touch. I just know Mark’s in Heaven, his sports shots making everyone’s day better, always going the extra mile. I’ll never forget Mark Sanderbeck.. He was a great photographer and a great friend.
That was a really nice story about Mark. He was good friend and I appreciated him.
We had some really good times together! God bless the family and thank you for allowing me to take part.
I wasent on Mark’s life journey but was placed in his path on his end journey. You feel my talking to him you known him for lifetime. Over his last stay in Hermann Missouri river front camping, I got hang out share good positive storys and some of less positive ones, but he called the ones he met his extended family. By knowing Mark I feel im better person and will continue reaching out to travelers and lisen to them he had a remarkable life doing what he doing. The last couple days in Hermann he interected with another person he met ask him did he know where he get rake he just didbk know later when I went to check on Mark he ask me same question I said mark this ur lucky day I just happen to have one in my buddy truck went got it brought it over he got up I knew his leg hurting and back hurting he said just want rake up his camp site I said let me do that for you buddy so got looking good. He was thankfully then he told me bout the other on brushed him off bout rake. The next morning when I came check on him we talking he said how does my camp site look with big smile on his face he said yeah I had a professional do it we both cracked up bout it. He said he moving on tommorrow I told him I hope we would get this summer cold checked out he said next stop he would and he did. He got results told me not sure what he gonna do and next day he started saying that he lived full life, I told Mark I would have wanted you to be the fighter that you are but respect your discussion he planning last trip he said Lake of the Ozark but Branson was destination. I still called check on him fe having good time with friend watching ball game. Next few days we’re still good but last call I got through, that call you know how their things you wished you said well that call we just knew and got express the things in last call. One thing was that the start of your new journey watching over the many travelers on their journey, that talk raise Mark’s spirits.
You will be missed but safe new Journeys.
If anyone like email me I have the last picture of Mark I took will send it to you and few other stories.
donwoodssr@mail.com