"I did not know Mr. Mark Anderson , but as a fellow Officer , I would like to express my sympathy as I know how difficult this job is , and he sounded like a wonderful human being with many good attributes and love for his family and friends. I am so sorry to hear of his passing at such a young age. My thoughts and prayers are with you all as I know he is now in heaven and in the hands of our Lord. "
In loving memory of
Mark Anderson
June 3, 1968 - April 15, 2021
Mark Edward Anderson was born to Delford and Bonnie Anderson of High Forest, MN on June 3, 1968. It is there he grew up playing Football and Basketball for Stewartville High School. He earned a basketball scholarship to Glendive College. MT in 1987. Then later transferring to Mesabi Community College and ultimately playing and graduating from Bemidji State University. He earned his bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice in 1993. In 1995 he started his career in Corrections with the Juvenile Detention Center of Olmsted County. He transferred to the Adult Detention Center of Olmsted County in 2010.
Mark enjoyed spending time with his friends, traveling and attending sporting events. He was known to many as "Big Mark." He was an avid fan of the Minnesota Vikings, Wild, Twins, Timberwolves and Gophers. His home was always open to his friends and their families. You could often find him in the summer in his jeep or on his deck with his friends and his dog. His deck was known to many as Mark's Bar and Grill. Mark's Bar and Grill would often be full of friend's and their families in the summer. He was always prepared to entertain all who came.
Mark passed away unexpectedly while at work on Thursday, April 15th, 2021. He is survived by his brother, Eric Anderson of Texas, his significant other, Deborah Hare and her son Charlie Hare as well as his daughter, Samantha Jo Shaw; niece, Kaitlynn Anderson and aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his parents, Del and Bonnie Anderson. Mark had countless friends who he considered family. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
Mark's family and large network of friends would like to thank his co-workers and medical staff for the care he received. They also wish to extend their heartfelt thanks to the law enforcement family for how they supported him prior to his passing and how they have continued to honor him since.
Visitation in honor of Mark's life will take place on Thursday, April 22nd, 2021 from 4:00 -8:00 pm. at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901. Due to COVID-19, masks will be required, and social distancing observed.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Anderson family; to share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"Deb- I?m so sorry to hear of Mark?s passing. Way too soon - a wonderful person. So glad he was close to you and Charlie. Please take care. Jean Marconett "
"I worked with Mark MANY years ago when he was supplemental at IBM. I was so sorry to see he passed away so young, he was sure fun to work with. His plan back then was to be a Highway Patrol. I always wondered what he did! He surely made his family and friends proud!!!"
"Mark... It has taking me this long to write these words as to what you meant to me over the 10 years since we met. We definitely had our share of memories made and throughout the years you knew me more than anyone in this town. From that New Years Eve to buying M&Ms (the family size bag) late at night - let?s not forget Bubble Pizza. I am so grateful that you found happiness and was ready to move on to bigger things. For that, I will cherish the memories made until we meet again. You know how I felt and we will keep some things to ourselves. Take care of yourself... I miss you more than you will ever know. "
"When we first arrived in town looking for a softball team we joined one with so many great people I was the luckiest person alive to have two gentle giants protracting me at home plate. You and Brett were my twin towers in the outfield your warm words always supporting me, Will and our kids. Your kind words of support both as a young child at the fields and as Dakota as he started his time with the ADC, He shared with me his great appreciation for his talks with you and the sense of knowledge he walked away from. Will was never so excited as the day he started with programs and getting to spend time with such and awesome group of me that included you. His respect for you was as great of man as you are....Mark I will so miss you gentle waves and warm smiles at night when I am here to pick up Will. Our lives were only touched in passing now but I felt comfort in knowing had Will back and even more now he has you as his guardian angel...Shine bright my friend and know you will never be forgotten..Our would just wont be the same without you in it...."
"Not many people can say they have friendships that span almost 34 years. I am thankful for every moment we had together and the memories we shared. You were an amazing friend who made everyone in his life feel valued and loved. You have created an amazing legacy Mark. You will be missed. "
"Not many people can say they have had friendships that span almost 34 years. We've created a lot of memories together Mark and I will cherish every single one of them. Thank you for being the person that made everyone feel important and loved. "
"You were a teacher to all to came to work with us. You shared your great knowledge and wisdom with so many people. You took every person under your wing if they cared to listen. I can't thank you enough for the lessons, for the talks, for the back up, and for the friendship. I am thankful for the time that I had with you and I will carry your memory always. My heart goes out to the many people who will be missing you. You have touched so many, in case you weren't aware."
"Mark was fun to be around. He had a great sense of humor. He always knew how to make me smile. He was a great friend and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers for all his friends and family at this time. Gina Schwartz Patterson "
"I still remember when I met you and Rod. You were so kind and always had an ear for me. I am saddened that you probably will not know how great of a friend you were to me . I wanted the best for you and you were about to get what you deserved with your new home, Deb, Charlie and Daisy. No more "buck up" Lindsey talks with your calm demeanor. You were appreciated and you will be missed by all who came in contact with you. Lindsey"
"What a wonderful man to work with!! His sense of humor and dedication to his job was impeccable!! Mark thanks for all the memories, long talks on night shifts and just being a great friend!! I worked with Mark for over 10 years and can remember the day when the big man came over the JDC. Mark will be greatly missed by many and has made a lasting impression on all of us. Thoughts and prayers to his family! God?s blessing Rick Trogstad"
"Mark, we went to school together. Neighbors, well in country can be 5 miles apart. Then holy buckets what a surprise. We work together to. One memory that I do remember that makes me smile. You used to put you jolly ranchers in your bottles of water for flavor. Thoughts and prayers to the family.. Mark, may you rest in peace. You will be missed dearly. Micki"
"Thank you for all the good times and teaching me how to become a great deputy. I remember when Rachel backed into your vehicle in the Gov Center parking lot... She was so scared to tell you. I told her she needed to and you were very kind to her. You were a big teddy bear to anyone you cared about and that was so many people. I will forever miss you here at work and being able to talk to you about work, life experiences and many other things. You taught me the best use of time off in your opinion. You would give me a hard time about the Punta Cana trip I took with my 3 month girlfriend and looking back on those times, it makes me smile and laugh. I am truly grateful to have known you and I am deeply saddened that you were taken way too soon from us. I know you are watching over your brothers and sisters here and I am grateful to have known you for the 5+ years I did. I am deeply saddened that I was never able to make it over to the famous Mark's Bar and Grill. RIP you are now 10-7, we have it from here."
"Well, Buddy....what can I say??? We had a good run didn't we?!?!?! Thanks for all the good times, the laughs, and the crazy adventures over the years. You were certainly one of a kind and will be irreplaceable, that's for sure. No more Husker/Gopher bets and money changing hands (A little secret for ya.... Even when I lost, it was worth the $50 or $100 I had to pay to watch you sweat it out the entire game.), no more "Bucket List" trips, and no more MN sporting event escapades. And, worst of all, no more "Hey, you wanna grab a beer after work?" texts or emails coming from you. I am truly sorry that things ended this way, right when you were just getting what you wanted out of life, but we don't get to choose when that happens. I take a small measure of comfort in knowing you are in a better place and spending time again with your parents who you loved and missed so much. RIP my good friend....RIP! OCSO Badge #1743 Code 10-7"