It is with profound sadness the City shares that Retired Eden Prairie Fire Captain Mark VandenBerghe passed away last week following a courageous battle with cancer.

Mark served with the EPFD for 34 years, retiring in 2022. His dedication to service and his unwavering commitment to the community left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.

In 2017, Mark was named Firefighter of the Year—an honor that spoke volumes about the dedication, resilience and heart he brought to the job every day. He also worked with the Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT), extending his impact across the country, answering the call to help wherever he was needed.

Captain VandenBerghe approached every challenge with a calm demeanor and a problem-solving mindset, easily earning the respect and admiration of those around him.

Beyond his professional life, he was a devoted family man and proud father, a loyal friend and a mentor to many.

Members of Eden Prairie Fire will attend a service to honor his memory at 2 p.m. Monday, June 9 at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Eden Prairie.