John Marks
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On March 20, 2016 @ 5:43 pm In 2016,Obituaries | 25 Comments
John Marks, age 73 of Jordan, passed away on Sunday, March 20, 2016. A Gathering of Friends will be held on Friday, April 1, 2016 from 11AM-1PM with a Celebration of Life Service beginning at 1PM at Hope Lutheran Church, Jordan. Pastor Steve Thompson will preside. Urn bearers will be David Marks, Gregg Anderson, and JR Jones.
On August 16, 1942 Edward and Evelyn (Fagerlie) Marks celebrated the birth of their youngest son, John Robert Marks. John, along with his six siblings, was raised in Glyndon, Minnesota, a small town just east of Fargo, North Dakota. During his childhood, John would help at the family’s bar—the Log Cabin Bar and Grill. Constantly meeting new people at the bar, John quickly became a sociable, outgoing person. Working at the family’s bar made quite the impression on John and ironically, he never drank.
During John’s high school years, he met a young woman, Mary Jo Costello, from Dilworth, the rival town next to Glyndon. One day as Mary Jo was walking home, a car full of Glyndon cheerleaders and football players pulled up to her. In the car was John. They talked for a while and Mary Jo decided John was incredibly obnoxious. The two occasionally ran into each other and eventually John pestered Mary Jo enough to be his prom date. The first time John met Mary Jo’s parents for dinner, he was jokingly told to eat everything on his plate. Afraid of being rude, John did just that—eating the decorative bay leaf as well. Eventually, Mary Jo’s parents grew to like John, his big personality, and his teasing nature. The young couple exchanged wedding vows on October 20, 1961 at the Dilworth Lutheran Church.
The newlyweds began their family with the birth of their daughter, Mecque, and son, David. They moved to Carver and eventually settled in Jordan. John worked as a baker for many years to support his family. In the 70’s John injured his back and could no longer bake. He decided to attend Hennepin Vo-Tech for Culinary Arts. John went on to teach as a hospitability chef at the Carver-Scott Cooperative. When it came time to teach cake decorating, Mary Jo always stopped by to assist the class. The family worked together often, especially when they began a catering service. Along with his family’s help, John was able to meet his goals in life, such as retiring by age fifty and owning a hobby farm. In his 50’s John became a gentleman’s farmer, peddling hay at the Belle Plaine Sales Barn every Thursday, or as he called it, “Holy Day.”
John extended his hospitality to everyone he met. Often he would say, “If you’ve been to my house more than once, you’re not company anymore. You’re family.” He had an open-door policy—everyone was an equal in John’s eyes and he was always willing to lend a helping hand. If John couldn’t help, he always knew someone else who could. John was the “go-to guy” around town for those needing advice. Having always been a mentor, John was a natural grandfather. Much to Mecque’s distress, John taught his grandchildren how to drive at the age of twelve. John was also an avid outdoorsman. He was active in the Turkey Federation, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, and the Caribou Gun Club. On hunting trips, John always had Tramp, his loyal hunting dog, by his side.
John was a kind, humorous, genuine person who cared greatly for his friends and family. Simply put, he was a larger than life individual. John will be dearly missed by his wife, Mary Jo; children, Mecque (Tom Dohnansky) Leonard, David Marks; grandchildren, Sam Leonard, Jenna Leonard; brother, Donald (June) Marks; sister-in-law, Joann Marks, Norma Marks; other relatives and friends. John is greeted in heaven by his parents and siblings, Duane Marks, David Marks, Richard Marks, Edward Marks, and Doris Sagen.
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Mary Jo and family, I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. This is a sad day for any one who knew John. He will be missed a lot. His humor was something I will always remember about John.
MaryJo and family. I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. I always enjoyed visiting with him, It seemed like I was always learning something from him. You all are in my thoughts and prayers!
Mary Jo and family-
So very sorry for your loss. John always was able to put a smile on my face when I boarded out there so many years ago. He truly was a kind soul. I am sure he will be greatly missed but know you all have amazing memories of him that will live on with you. Take care.
Heather Haagenson
Sorry for your loss Dave. Very sad to hear..my condolences to you and your family. I dont see you very often but when i do it is always a pleasure..im always here if you need..again..sorry to hesr about your father…
Mary Jo, Mecque, David, Sam, Jenna and everyone else,
We had so many great times together and all my memories are positive and fun. Whether it was a holiday gathering at the folks or something happening at the lake, it was always great to have John around. Just like we miss those days, John will be missed forever. I am sorry for your loss.
Joe Costello
Hi – Mary Jo,
On behalf on my Mom (Midge Kondelis) and my wife Janet we extend our condolences and our prayers to you and your family. Unfortunately, we have not seen or talked with you in many years as we moved to Texas back in 1990 and don’t get back to Minnesota very often. Mary Jo when you folks had the bakery in Freeze and we lived in DL… I have to tell you when I had a delivery in Freeze, how much I looked forward to popping in to see you guys. Johnny he always brought a smile to my face and a story to bring back to Mom and Dad!!!
Mary Jo, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Dave and family
I am very sorry for your loss.
Mary Jo and family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Johnny. He was such a good person to so many people. I will truly miss that silly cousin of mine. Love you all Janice
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was always such a positive person, and definitely a customer we looked forward to assisting at Kwik Trip in Belle Plaine. There were many times, our paths would cross in the routines of life there, and he had a pleasant word every time! May your memories be forever with you joyfully!
Mary Jo and family, Johnny was the funniest guy with the best stories. He was just fun to be around. Ask him a question and he had an answer and a story to go along with it. He had a giving and a big heart! He will be missed immensely. You now have an another angel watching over you. Watch out you might have some fun things happen! You are All in my thoughts and prayers. Take care, your cousin Lynette
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. You have some fabulous memories to hold in your heart!
Love,
CARRIE SIMONSON
Mecque and family- Steve and I send you much love and healing. You and John added so much to our wedding! (almost 30 years ago) You have so much love around you – I hope that brings you comfort.
❤
Dave,
My sympathy to you and your family. Surrounding you all with love during this time.
Sending prayers for healing and comfort in the loss of your Dad and Husband. I haven’t seen you in years, but he will be missed. Definitely helped me and made an imprint on my life, always enjoyed taking care of your animals when I did.
My deepest sympathy, John was larger than life. Always enjoyed his razzing, he will be missed.
I am so sorry for the loss of John . He was one of my favorite teachers when I was in school so many years ago. He taught us so much in the Food Occupation class at the VO Tech in Chaska. It was one of my classes that I looked forward too. I remember one day in class he told us students he always liked to pay all his bills with cash cause everybody likes cash and he showsed us a stack of $100 bills. He made us all laugh! I quess we just think people will always just be here, but that’s not true, we all have a time to leave this earth. Let’s do like John did and enjoy life, and people and treat all the way we want to be treated as John did. He made a big impact on my life 30 years ago….thanks Mr Marks for all you did for me and so many others and to his family, thanks for sharing him with all of us!!!
May the peace of Jesus be upon each of you!
God bless
Raymond Bixby
Dearest MaryJo, Mecque, David and family. We grieve with you on the loss of John. But, we also know that he is now in a perfect place; no pain, no anguish, nothing but bright light. I guess God will have to listen to all his corny jokes now. No one made fruit cake like Johhnie!
We love you.
In Christ Nancy & Scott
Mecque, so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing, he had such a big personality and always made me laugh.
Prayers to you and your family during this difficult time, I know he was the center of your universe, and will be greatly missed by so many people.
MaryJo, Mecque and David, I’m so sorry for your loss. John was definitely “bigger than life” he was fun to be around and I know I couldn’t help but to laugh whenever I was around him. I know he is resting peacefully now. I’m thinking God needed some humor and so he called John home.
Mary Jo and family,
I am so saddened today as I read that John had passed. As the Director of the Carver-Scott Cooperative, we hired John in 1978 to head our Food Occupations Program at the School. He added so much to our Center with his baking knowledge, positive attitude and total cooperation with students and staff. I have thought about him so much over the years. A huge loss to all who knew him. God Bless you and your family.
Prayers for you and your family, loved that guy a ton. Still cannot believe jessica was born on his birthday, then he catered her and brians wedding. He will be greatly missed.
Meque and family, sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Mary Jo, David and Mecque, I am so sad to hear about Johnny passing. He was always so much fun. My prayers go out to all of you. God Bless
Joe Verdi
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Sorry to hear of your loss Dave . I can always when you lived next door to my mother place. my deepest condolence to your family