Mark Douglas Broden, 65, of Fertile, MN passed away suddenly but peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, November 3, 2021, at home in Fertile.
Mark was born June 19th, 1956, to Robert & Myrtle (Bakken) Broden in Crookston, MN. Mark was baptized and confirmed in his faith at Maple Bay Free Lutheran Church and attended Fertile-Beltrami High School graduating in 1974.
Mark was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart Shelly Ellegaard on June 11th, 1977, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Fertile where the couple made their home with their 5 children. Mark was the owner of a body shop in Fertile from 1974 until 1980. When Mark sold the shop, he resourcefully became a man of many talents holding various positions in sales, construction, and eventually going into business for himself as an Owner Operator OTR Trucker. Mark enjoyed rambling around the country kicking back and seeing the sights but also taking every opportunity to pound the pavement then turn and burn to get back to the family. Mark made it a point to connect with his brothers, sisters, and their families maintaining a positive presence in their lives. He enjoyed many surprise ‘pop in’ visits to have coffee or go out for supper.
Mark bonded over experiences and instilled a love of travel in his family making the most of his time by hosting many ‘Trips of a Lifetime’ which his children, grandchildren, and others will forever benefit from. When the little ones weren’t allowed to come along, they treasured the gifts and stories Grandpa would bring home. Grandpa Mark never missed a chance to bring his boys to the barbershop to keep it high and tight or take his girls to the beauty salon for colorful pedi’s. He made the Fertile Fair a family event by always treating the children to annual Megabands and extra spending cash, paying out extra for good grades. Nothing brought Mark greater joy than to take in the ‘Live Entertainment’ his grandchildren provided. Truly cherishing all the interactions with them. Through good times and bad, he could fix anything; ‘from a broken heart to the crack of dawn.
Mark was a very generous man, donating to local needs. He made great memories as a Winger Lion’s member and later was in regular attendance for fundraisers and breakfast benefits; if he couldn’t make it, he would call his kids to represent by stopping by to support. It was never a surprise to see Mark mowing a neighbor’s lawn, grading their road, or bringing over food and beverage after a loss in genuine support.
Mark had an ‘Appetite for Life’ enjoying clean food and dirty jokes. Mark made it a point to be in attendance for special moments in the lives of his family and friends, always showing up for a good time. Mark made friends easily over sports, work, family, and common interests. He appreciated meeting new people and relished in gatherings of comradery and brotherhood on a patio or pontoon whenever he could. Mark excelled as an athlete and even after his perfect health began a decline, he was ever able to outshine others on the golf course; and don’t forget it.
There were difficult days for Dr. appointments and medical side effects, but Mark never let that bother him, he never stopped moving and never let the grass grow under his tires. He had faith in God and put his trust in him that the Kingdom of Heaven and the joy in every day was worth any struggle.
Mark is survived by his wife Shelly and their 5 children, Andrew (Andrea) Broden, Fertile, MN, Ashley (Ben) Hand, Fertile, MN, Arick (Lori) Broden, Winger, MN, Alexander Broden, Crookston, MN, and Mark (Rebecca) Broden II, Thief River Falls, MN; 13 grandchildren, Autumn, Gage, Gavin, AshLynne, Gradyn, Kallie, Zoë, Hailey, Nevaeh, Riley, Gunnar, Niles and Noah; siblings, Irving (Phylis) Broden, Beltrami, MN, Sara Lucken Winger, MN, Ellie Gilbertson Winger, MN, JoAnn (Paul) Levang Fergus Falls, MN, Roger Broden, Fertile, MN, Ruth (Bob) Kiehne Elk Grove, CA, and Arvid (Crystal) Broden, Fertile, MN; in-laws, Eric (Joan) Ellegaard, Fertile, MN, and Mary Beth Ellegaard, Detroit Lakes, MN; as well as many treasured nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.
Mark was preceded in death by his mother and father, his mother and father-in-law, his siblings, George and Mary Broden, brothers-in-law, Richard Gilbertson, Lynn Lucken, and Bruce, Grant, Mark, and Barry Ellegaard, and a grandson, Nash. Mark passed away suddenly but peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, November 3, 2021, at home in Fertile.
Funeral: 11:00 AM, Friday, November 12, 2021, at Concordia Lutheran Church, Fertile, MN. Due to COVID 19 concerns please wear a mask when attending the visitation and funeral.
Visitation: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Friday, November 12, 2021, at Concordia Lutheran Church, Fertile. MN.
Please view our guestbook and share condolences online at www.eriksonvikfh.com
Arrangements with Erikson-Vik-Ganje Funeral Home
Fertile, Minnesota
