Thief River Falls – Mark Counter passed away on Monday, November 24, 2025, at Sanford Health in Fargo, ND.
Mark James Counter was born on January 26, 1971, in Thief River Falls, to James Lenard Counter and Marilyn Rosella (Lodermeier) Counter.
Mark was baptized and confirmed at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thief River Falls. He began his education at St. Bernard’s Catholic School, continued through Franklin Middle School, and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1989. He later attended Northland Community and Technical College, where he studied Auto Mechanics.
Mark dedicated over two decades of his career to Arctic Cat in special services and worked for several years at Ace Hardware. In his younger years, he enjoyed racing vintage snowmobiles for four to five years—a passion that reflected his love for motorsports and the outdoors.
An avid animal lover, Mark took great joy in caring for his pets. He also served as vice president of the Pennington County Sportsman’s Club, reflecting his commitment to community and conservation efforts.
Mark is survived by his daughter, Kyrie Counter; his parents, James and Marilyn Counter; his sister, Denise Johnson; his nephew and Godson, Ryan Thompson; his Godparents, Fred and Judy Ettel; his special friend, Fran Spears and her son Andrew; and his stepchildren, Chastity and Jazzmine and her son Silas; several aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives, and many friends.
Mark is preceded in death by his grandparents, Oliver and Marie Counter and Walter and Geneva Lodermeier.
He will be remembered for the warmth he shared with those around him. Mark always ended conversations with his mother with a heartfelt, “love you mom.” May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls.
Burial will follow at St. Bernard’s Catholic Cemetery in Thief River Falls.
Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service on Friday at Johnson Funeral Service.
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