Thief River Falls – Mark Alan Delage was born on March 4, 1964, in Thief River Falls, to Harvey and Rose (Sorenson) Delage. Mark attended Knox Elementary, Franklin Middle School, and later graduated from Lincoln High School.
In the mid 80s, Mark was recruited by close friends Scott and Staci Reay to join a crew of traveling salesmen. He spent several years and traveled many miles across the country (Idaho, Colorado, Washington, Wyoming, and almost every state in the Midwest) selling soap. He had what everyone called a smooth radio voice. This, along with a great smile and relaxed personality, made him very successful. This also helped when the crew got into tricky situations or overstayed their welcome in local hangouts. He could smile and talk his way out of any situation. These experiences stayed with him for life and became stories he often told.
He started working at Northern Pride with plans for it to be a temporary position, but it became his lifelong career, spanning over 30 years. He steadily worked his way up to Packaging Manager.
On February 3, 2001, Mark married Cally Wilson at Zion Lutheran Church. Together, they raised two daughters, Eleanor and Ava, filling their years with school events, basketball games, orchestra and band concerts, family vacations, and birthday celebrations. Mark also took great pride in his home and yard, often spending hours mowing the lawn. His wife and daughters were not only his family but also his greatest joy, and he treasured the time they spent together creating memories that would last a lifetime.
Mark knew how to truly live life. From an early age, his dad, uncles, and cousins shared their love of the outdoors with him. Hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, camping, and time at the hunting shack became cherished family traditions. The shack was one of his favorite places, a spot where he could spend quality time with family and close friends. Mark valued his friendships deeply, and the bonds he formed with those around him were a source of great joy throughout his life.
He also loved to sing and dance, often performing whenever karaoke was available. “Ring of Fire” and “Secret Agent Man” were just a couple of the songs he brought to life on the stage, always with his signature energy and smile. He and his wife shared a mutual love of music with their daughters, often enjoying concerts together or simply listening to music at home.
Mark had a knack for seeking adventure and sometimes trouble along the way, leaving him with plenty of stories and the scars to prove it. To name a few, he survived a plane crash, took a few spills on snowmobiles, and even once broke his jaw. Through it all, he faced every challenge with courage, humor, and resilience.
He is survived by his wife, Cally; his daughters, Ellie and Ava; his mother, Rose Delage of Thief River Falls; his sister, Bonnie (Dave) Upham of Fargo, ND; father-in-law, Jon (Mary) Wilson of Goodridge; mother-in-law, Suzette (Larry) Johnsrud of Goodridge; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Jessie Dingman of St. Hilaire, James (Jerilyn) Wilson, Kyle Johnsrud, Kent Johnsrud, Cody (Lelit) Wilson, Adam (Louisa) Wilson, Joshua (Kaitlin) Wilson, and Luke Wilson, all of Goodridge; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.
Mark was preceded in death by his father, Harvey Delage; brother, Wayne Delage; brother-in-law, Luke Dingman; grandparents; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Mark Delage passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at Sanford Health in Thief River Falls, surrounded by his loving family. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those he touched, remembered for his quiet strength and unwavering love for his family and friends.
A memorial service in honor of Mark will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, with Pastor Christy Klemz officiating.
Visitation will take place from 5–7 p.m., with a 7 p.m. prayer service on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls. Visitation will also take place one hour prior to the memorial service on Friday at the church.
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