Mark A. Nelson, age 66 of Grand Forks, ND, passed away on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND.

Mark Alan Nelson was born on December 27, 1956 in Billings, MT, the son of Marvin and Gladys (Jacobson) Nelson. Mark lived in Huntley, MT and then moved to Gwinner, ND, where he attended school and graduated from North Sargent High School with the Class of 1975. He then attended the University of North Dakota and was a proud member of Sigma Chi Fraternity, where he met his lifelong and best friend, Jon Bonzer. During college, he worked for Garon Construction of Thompson, ND, and was very involved in extra-curricular activities. After graduating from UND in 1980 with a Banking and Finance degree, he remained a proud and active alumnus. He began working for the FDIC for 5 years in Grand Forks, ND. He then began employment with First National Bank Grand Forks, which led him to Northwood, ND for a short while, and then back to Grand Forks. He remained at First National Bank Grand Forks, eventually becoming Alerus Financial. After 35 years of dedication to the same bank, he retired in 2020. During his time in Northwood, ND, he met the love his life. He was united in marriage to Jan Thingelstad Draxton on August 13, 1988. Mark seamlessly became a 'family man' when he moved back to Grand Forks with Jan and her two daughters, Heather and Jamie. Within a few years, Brianne and Meghan were born into the family. Mark was a man of faith. He was very active at Sharon Lutheran Church, volunteering for many committees and singing in the choir. He led an active life, balanced by his love of reading. He enjoyed bike riding, attending UND sporting events, traveling, and spending time at Cass Lake.

Family members who survive Mark include his wife of 34 years, Jan Nelson of Grand Forks, ND; children, Heather (Chad) Reardon, Jamie (Aaron) Fultz, Brianne Nelson and Meghan (Zach) Scott all of Grand Forks, ND; 8 grandchildren, Madison (Dakota) Radcliffe, Caden and Sawyer Fultz, Lauren, Jacie and Hattie Reardon,

and Mckenna and Hudson Scott; 1 great-grandchild, Gunner Radcliffe; brother, Steve (Deb) Nelson of Fargo, ND; mother-in-law, Blanche Thingelstad of Northwood, ND; numerous nieces and nephews; his Sigma Chi brothers, and many friends, including the hockey crew.

He is preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law Carl Thingelstad Jr.

Blessed be the memory of Mark A. Nelson

(and God Bless the Fighting Sioux!)

Funeral Service: 2:00 PM on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 in Sharon Lutheran Church, 1720 So. 20 ^th St., Grand Forks, ND

Visitation: 5:00 – 7:00 with a 7:00 PM Prayer Service on Monday, January 23, 2023 in Sharon Lutheran church and also 1 hour prior Funeral Service on Tuesday in Sharon Lutheran Church

Interment: Northwood South Cemetery, Northwood, ND in the spring of 2023