RAPID CITY- Mark Julius Polenz, 52, of Rapid City, passed away peacefully at home on October 2, 2010. Mark was born June 1, 1958 in Vermillion, South Dakota to his parents, Ralph and Sharon Polenz. He grew up in Rapid City, attending Rapid City Public Schools. He graduated from Stevens High School in 1976, and from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. He had an entrepreneurial spirit and, as a young college graduate, started Polenz Land Surveying. Through this work, he grew to know these Black Hills so well and never ceased to enjoy them. He owned and operated this company for 26 years. Mark, Pete Lien and other friends, partnered to start the Firehouse Brewing Company in 1991. He married Sheri Bain on March 26, 1994 in Deadwood, South Dakota. They enjoyed life with family and friends here in Rapid City and in recent years in both Rapid City and Pasadena, CA. Through the years, Mark also found joy in walking, cooking, and attending Bronco games. As a young man, he loved family skiing, and in other seasons baseball, football and track, where he often set records. His father was his mentor, in so many ways, including his love of sports. One of the highlights of his youth was kicking in the Punt, Pass, and Kick Competition during half-time of the Denver Bronco Football Game, and so, a lifelong Bronco fan was created. Mark is survived by his wife, Sheri, Rapid City/Pasadena, CA; his mother, Sharon Polenz and Joseph Keown, Rapid City; his sister, Lisa Hermanson (Larry), Rapid City; and two brothers, Kent Polenz (Tami), Euless, TX; Daniel Polenz (Giselle), Denver, CO. He is also survived by a special aunt and uncle, Nadine and Daniel Dake, Sandy, UT; and by Sheris parents, Edward and Irene Bain, Brookings; brother-in-law, Edward Bain Jr. (Donna), Volga; sister-in-law, Carla Akamine (Alex), San Diego, CA. Dearly loved by Mark were his nieces and nephews; Samuel and Alexandra Hermanson, Rapid City; Elizabeth and Maxwell Polenz, Euless, TX; Gise and Daniel Polenz, Denver, CO; James and Jason Bain, Volga; and Sarah, Lisa, and Hannah Akamine, San Diego, CA. He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Polenz. He touched so many people with his kind and loving soul. The outpouring of love and affection that is being shown now to his family is a tell tale illustration of Mark and the life that he lived. Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, October 7, at Canyon lake United Methodist Church with Rev. Eric Grinager and Rev. Kim Bachman officiating. A memorial has been established to the scholarship program at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.