Mark David Oberparleiter

Whiplash Racing regrets to announce that Mark David Oberparleiter died on Monday, February 5, 2001. Mark was critically injured racing near the lead of the Parker 200k on Sunday, February 4. He passed away the next day in Phoenix.

Mark was an organ-donor and his death saved lives that very day. Mark Oberparleiter was well liked by the racers who knew him. Mark's wife, Tiffany, and his parents, Wayne and Beverly, ask that any donations be made for a college fund for Mark's son, David. Donations can be made at the Whiplash office and will be handled by the Racers' Fund.

Whiplash Racing mourns the loss of Mark David Oberparleiter.

Mark David Oberparleiter, 38, of Fountain Hills, Arizona, a 757 pilot for America West Airlines, professional motorcycle racer, and beloved friend and family member, died February 5, 2001, from injuries sustained in a motorcycle racing accident in Parker, Arizona.

Mark was born on March 3, 1962, in Camden, New Jersey, to Wayne Oberparleiter and Beverly Kimble and lived and spent his high school days in the Morrisville and Yardley, Pennsylvania, area. After high school graduation Mark began his career as a pilot, flying freight, and flight instructing. He married his first wife Tina Smith and his son, David, was born on December 28, 1986. His first career job as a pilot was with Mesa Airlines, in Farmington, New Mexico, flying commuter routes. Later he worked for Florida Gulf Airlines as a commuter pilot. For the last four and a half years, Mark worked as a First Officer with America West Airlines in Phoenix, Arizona, where he resided.

Mark married Tiffany Kapphahn of Phoenix, Arizona, in September, 1998. Mark was a well-known and loved figure in Phoenix area flying and motorcycle racing circles. At the time of his death, in addition to his many other activities, Mark, and his wife Tiffany, were building their dream home in Fountain Hills, Arizona.

Everyone who knew Mark remembers his love of life and especially adventure positive energetic approach to everything he did.s infectious good will enthusiasm seemed light up every enterprise touched with joy purpose.

Mark will be most lovingly remembered by his wife Tiffany, son David, mother Beverly Kimble, grandmother Marjorie Kimble, father Wayne Oberparleiter, grandfather Leslie Oberparleiter, sisters Heather Oates and Kelli Oberparleiter, brother Lance Oberparleiter, and by his many relatives, friends and associates. Mark's life was honored in a formation flight fly-over at his Fountain Hills property on February 10, 2001. In a moving tribute, one of the planes broke away in the traditional "missing man" maneuver, and flew away towards the setting sun.

The family request that in lieu of flowers,
contributions be made to the:

Mark D. Oberparleiter
Memorial Fund,
PMB 150, 745 N. Gilbert #124,
Gilbert, AZ, 85234-4616
 
DONATIONS ALSO ACCEPTED TO THE RACERS' FUND WITH WHIPLASH.