Mark Stephen Ristau

Mark Stephen Ristau of Bel Air was joyfully and warmly welcomed into the Kingdom of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Monday, November 11, after losing a bravely-fought battle with cancer. He was 67. 

Born in Green Bay, WI, Mark was the son of the late Pastor Gerald R Ristau and Carol A (Keller) Ristau Fry of Forest Hill. Mark was a quiet, selfless and humble man of few words but with multiple talents who was recognized for his kind and generous spirit that helped so many and touched everyone who knew him. 

Mark graduated from Aberdeen High School in 1973 as a dedicated student and athlete excelling in tennis and soccer. He attended Harford Community College before a love of working with his hands led him to entrepreneurship as founder and owner of PDLaminates in Abingdon, and a long career in meticulous craftmanship. Known for his strong work ethic, Mark had a way of bringing creative projects to life with perfection for clients locally as well as in New York, at BWI Airport, and several large Baltimore hospitals. He was highly regarded by clients and employees alike for his quality standards and expertise, honesty and fairness, often at his own expense. 

Mark’s second successful business venture occurred in 2003 upon moving his family to Sarasota, FL where he founded and operated Paradigm Remodeling until he retired and returned to Maryland.

Mark was a man of simple pleasures and a neat sense of humor. He loved his family and spent hours using his skills to renovate his homes, helping with church projects, and building projects for his son, Colton, including an elaborate tree house and skate board ramps. He was an avid soccer dad and accompanied his son to Europe for an international soccer tournament.

Marks compassionate nature extended to animals, as exhibited in his volunteer work with Animal Rescue, and he was once featured on Baltimore TV news for his daring rescue effort. He dearly loved his own rescue-adopted pets, especially his cat, Surfer.

Mark was preceded in death by his father, Pastor Ristau; second father, Clarence Fry: and former wife, Pamela Imwold. He is survived by son, Colton Ristau of AZ; mother, Carol Ristau of Forest Hill, MD; brother Timothy of North East, MD; sister, Ruth Dunham (Dennis) of Sioux Falls, SD.

Those who knew Mark understand the beautiful legacy of kindness and generosity he leaves in that both in his work and personal life, he never hesitated to go far above and beyond the need. They will remember his indominable fighting spirit and persistence toward any task or issue. They will remember.

But Mark didn’t care about legacies or accolades. He lived true to himself, did all things with the specialness that he was, expecting nothing in return from others and suffered quietly and uncomplainingly with his terminal illness. 

Thank you, Mark, with love, thank you. 

Grieve, world, for your loss: it’s Heaven’s gain! 

To God be the Glory! Amen and Amen!

Contributions may be made in Marks name to The Wounded Warrior Project and/or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.