Mark Albert Oeltjenbruns, son of Albert and Marie (Baerg) Oeltjenbruns, was born on Wednesday, October 22, 1958, in Windom, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed at the American Lutheran Church in Windom. Mark attended and graduated from Windom High School in 1977. Upon graduation, he attended the Jackson Vocational and Technical College in Jackson, for mechanics and later on went for his certification in electrical. In August 1979, Mark enlisted into the United States Army, where he proudly served active duty in Germany for 3 years, and active duty in Operation Desert Shield for 7 months in 1991. When Mark returned from the Army, he moved to Heron Lake. He was united in marriage to Juanita Turnage in 1985. They were blessed with 1 daughter Marcy. This union was later dissolved. In 1989, Mark relocated to Jackson. On February 8, 1992, he married Jean Syverson in Mt. Lake. They made their home together in Jackson. Mark worked for a short time at Toro in Windom, many years at AGCO in Jackson, and has been with Lift Pro in Jackson for the past 10 years. He was an active member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Jackson, where he taught Sunday School, was a member of the Choir, usher, lay minister and served on the Board of properties. In March of 2023, as Mark’s health declined, he became a resident of the Good Samaritan Society in Windom, where he passed away peacefully at the age of 64 years, 5 months, and 25 days.
Mark was a gentleman that was full of life and adventures. He had a passion for 4-wheeling and took many 4-wheeling trips. Mark was a worldwide traveler, having taken trips to Alaska, Thailand, Australia, Hawaii, and Florida to name a few of the destinations. He was quite active in the community, volunteering at Fort Belmont, member of the Friends of the Library, helped with the Jackson County 4-wheel trails and later helped on the Shady Oaks ATV trails by Russell, MN. In his down time, Mark enjoyed reading sci-fi books, and watching Hallmark movies. He liked spending time outside working in the garden, helping out on the farm, or rock picking. Mark had a heart of gold and was always willing to help out when needed. Above all, Mark loved spending time with his family and friends. Mark will be forever remembered for his smile and sincere compassion.
Left to cherish Mark’s memory are his daughter Marcy (Scott) Berglund; granddaughters Naomi Berglund and Kelly (Dakota) Danielson; great grandchildren Maverick and Emmett; siblings Luke (Robbie) Oeltjenbruns, Amos Oeltjenbruns, Ruth (Justin) Fisher, and Dan (Trisha) Oeltjenbruns; brother-in-law Joel (Deb) Syverson; sister-in-law Stacy Oeltjenbruns; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and good friends.
Mark is preceded in death by his wife of 23 years Jean, parents Albert and Marie, sibling Joel Oeltjenbruns, father and mother-in-law Don and Dorothy Syverson, and brothers-in-law Wayne Syverson and Lyle Syverson.
Blessed be the memory of Mark Albert Oeltjenbruns.Â