64
Sioux Falls, SD
August 20, 2021
Mark was born August 7, 1957, in Sparta, Wisc., to Elmer and Martha (Borst) Volden. He was the middle brother of three. Mark, along with his big brother, Bruce, and his little brother, Perry, called themselves “Army Brats,” since their father’s military service moved the family around frequently. Mark spent his formative years in many places in the United States and around the world before the family settled near the Volden Homestead on the Klondike River in southeast South Dakota. His brothers were his best friends and they had many adventures throughout their youth and adulthood.
Mark graduated from Canton High School in 1975 and started a long career working in utility construction. In 1978, Mark met Kathleen “Kay” Kaarre and the two married in 1980. They made their home in Sioux Falls and had two children, Emelee and Josiah who were their world. They raised their kids with the values that family comes first, to stand up for what they believe in and to figure out life’s hard problems with courage and confidence.
In 1988, Mark and his family moved to the Colton area where he served as Colton’s “City Guy,” managing public maintenance and utilities. He and Kay raised their family there for the next 29 years. In 2000, Mark started working for Hander Plumbing & Heating in Sioux Falls until he left in 2015 to care for a special friend. It was his kindness and companionship provided to dear friends, namely Yvonne, Connie and Dawn, that defined the last several years of his life.
Mark was as free-spirited as he was stubborn. He lived his life with integrity and independence while still gracing those he loved with his caring and generous heart. He had the special ability of providing wisdom and guidance in the most unconventional way at unexpected times – something that will live on in those he loved.
Mark enjoyed the outdoors, prairie sunsets and thunderstorms, fishing, hunting and camping. He loved spending time with his brothers, children, grandkids and close friends. His unique sense of humor will continue to bring laughter to those who were close to him.
Mark has joined his best friend and wife, Kay; his parents, Elmer and Martha; and Kay’s parents, Norman and Bertha Kaarre, in the eternal world.
He is survived by his children, Emelee Volden (Brian Liesinger) of Denver, Colo., and SFC Josiah (Jenna) Volden of Sioux Falls; grandchildren, Vivian, Brynlee and Vincent; brothers, Bruce (Rose) of Canistota and Perry (Lisa) of Yankton; brother-in-law, Don Kaarre; and several relatives and close friends.
Funeral service will be held at 10 am Friday, September 3, 2021, at Miller Westside Chapel, 6200 W. 41st Street, Sioux Falls. Visitation with family present will be held 5-7 pm Thursday, September 2, 2021, also at Miller Westside Chapel.
Arrangements provided by Miller Funeral Home.