Artist, regular Gazette contributor, and Last American Hitchhiker Mark Kneeskern died Saturday night in Iowa; police turn to public for help in establishing timeline

By The Big Bend Gazette On September 1, 2014

UPDATE Wednesday, SEPT. 3: FPD officials are updating information, in reference to the fatality on the railroad right-of-way on 08/31/2014.

The deceased has been identified as Mark Dean Kneeskern, date of birth of 07/10/1972. Mr. Kneeskern showed a last known address in West Des Moines, Iowa. The family has been notified but the investigation is still active. There is no known crime at this time.

It is imperative that investigators establish a timeline of activities of the deceased during any death investigation. Fairfield PD officers have not identified all persons who had contact with Mr. Kneeskern during his visit to Fairfield. The police are asking anyone with information about Mr. Kneeskern’s whereabouts during his entire visit in Fairfield area to contact the Fairfield Police Department immediately at (641) 472-4146. FPD officers thank anyone for their assistance in this matter.

UPDATE Tuesday, SEPT. 2: This is the “official media release” about Mark’s death, from the Fairfield, Iowa Police Department.

“FPD officials are reporting the following. On O8/31/20I4 at approximately 4:15 AM, Fairfield Police Dispatch eeceived an emergency call from Burlington Northern - SantaFe Railroad reporting a train had struck a person on the railroad tracks in the Fairfield city limits. The accident was a fatality. The investigation is ongoing. No names are being released, pending notification of family.”

SEPT. 1: Our friend, artist in so many ways, luminary, humorist, kind soul, constant inspiration, and regular Gazette contributor Mark Kneeskern has died. Though we have been unable to confirm any details, friends of Mark tell us that after a book signing he did Saturday night in Fairfield, Iowa, sometime after 12:30 am Sunday he was apparently killed by a train. I think I speak for all who knew Mark in saying we are all heartbroken. Our love and prayers go out to his longtime girlfriend and fellow luminary, Shannon Carter, and his whole family. Mark, you are irreplaceable. We miss you terribly already.

-Marlys

One of my all-time favorite photos, period, and it beautifully captures the art and spirit of Shannon & Mark Mark Eyeball Kneeskern (and their dog?), pictured. Photo by Crystal Allbright. We printed this in The Big Bend Gazette, though right this moment I cannot recall in what month and year.