Strathcona – Mark Dennis Stephens (78 years) passed away peacefully at home on Thanksgiving evening, November 23, 2023, with his wife and daughters by
his side. Mark fought a 3 1/2-year battle with what he called, “The
Beast,” metastatic cancer. When asked how he felt about having cancer, he would say, “you have to deal with the hand you’re dealt.” Stoic and humble, he continued to work on his farm, in his shop and fields a few hours each day, even while undergoing radiation and chemo treatments. He faced every trial with determination and a wonderful sense of humor.
Mark was born in Thief River Falls, to Richard (Choppy) Stephens and Gladys (Berger) Stephens on November 10, 1945. Mark was baptized and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in rural Greenbush near the family farm. He attended elementary school in Greenbush until his family moved to the Seattle, WA area, where he graduated from Federal Way High School in 1963.
When Mark was 17 years old, his parents reluctantly signed for him to enlist in the U.S. Coast Guard; he served his country for the next four years during the Vietnam War era, receiving an achievement award for his Radar Class Training in Connecticut and traveling on ship to many ports. He also took pilot lessons and flew solo in California. Upon discharge, he worked for Boeing and Ervin Wicklund Construction among other firms.
Mark returned to Minnesota to hunt and decided to stay, purchasing land and cattle by Strathcona. He met his future wife at a dance at Smiths Pavilion in Greenbush. When asked about the love of his life, Mark would say, “her dad threw her in on the cattle deal!”
Mark married Karen Miller at Bethel Lutheran Church Greenbush on January 10, 1970. They were
blessed with three children, Doreen, Katrina, and Patrick. In the years that followed, he worked hard at growing his herds of beef and dairy cattle and did small grain farming. Spending long hours in the barn, shop or fields, he kept everything running smoothly.
Mark loved working with his hands, so in slow winter hours after the dairy cows were milked, he and his father-in-law built the family home. Later, he crafted small tables, chairs, rockers and barns for his children, nieces and godchildren. He also helped the youth of Bethel Lutheran Church and built a “crèche” for the live nativity (even bringing in a calf!), wanting the Christmas Story brought to life for all of the children in the community.
Mark was one of the original Strathcona Community Club members, serving for many years and believing a mini mall could be built. From that vision, we now have the gas station, post office, and cafe, known as Paradise. He continued to serve for many years on the Huss Township Board and was a member of the Greenbush American Legion.
An avid reader, Mark had continued his education by attending the new VA program held at Northwest Technical College, studying farm business management. Mark was a great history buff, and the family looked to him as both family historian and storyteller. He loved telling jokes and singing old songs like, “Old Shep” or “How Much is that Doggy in the Window” to the kids and grandkids while they were on his lap growing up.
Into retirement, Mark could be found reading up on Oliver tractors, which he passionately collected and planned to restore, along with an array of antique Winchester guns. In fact, the kids lovingly called him “the Oliver Man.”
The last five winters were spent in their Arizona home, where he enjoyed reading good books on the deck. Still enjoying the occasional dance with Karen, he loved quietly singing “Could I Have This Dance for the Rest of My Life?” as they swayed.
His family and community are enriched by his life of service. Mark leaves a robust legacy of hard work, wisdom, attention to history and enduring sense of humor. During his last days, his wife and daughters never missed an opportunity to say, “I love you, Dad.” In return, he would say, “I love
you back!” Mark…We all love you back!
Mark is survived by his wife, Karen, daughters, Katrina Stephens of Warroad, and Doreen (Johnathan) Maashio of Minnetonka and Strathcona; grandchildren, Zack of Lucas, TX, Alexandria (fiancé Blake Howard) of Fort Worth, TX, Joshua of Minnetonka, Jessica (fiancé Beau Iovinelli) of Dallas, TX, Lydia of Grand Forks, ND, Isaac of Lubbock, TX, and Sophia, Ella, and Marcus of Strathcona; sister, Cheri (Arnie) Ellingson of Auburn, WA; brothers, Larry (Peggy) Stephens of Strathcona, Stuart (Maureen) Stephens and Lance (Irene) Stephens both of Yakima, WA, Brian/Ron (Ginny) Stephens of Fargo, ND; and several other nieces, nephews, and relatives.
Mark was preceded in death by his son, Patrick Mark; parents, Richard (Choppy) and Gladys (Berger) Stephens; mother-and father-in-law, Myron and Carol Miller; niece, Jody Schmalz; and several other aunts, uncles, and relatives.
Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, December 2, 2023 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Greenbush, with Pastor Janelle Hennager presiding.
Visitation will be held after 5 p.m., Friday, December 1, 2023 at the church with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.
Interment services will be held at Bethel Lutheran Cemetery in Greenbush following services.
Arrangements are with Collins Funeral Home of Greenbush. An online guestbook is available at www.collinsfunerals.com.
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