Mark Bratvold

Mark Lynn Bratvold, 68, of rural Ashby passed away Saturday, October 23, 2021, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND. Mark was born in Fergus Falls, MN on December 1, 1952, to Kenneth and Margaret Bratvold. He went to District 4 Country School and graduated from Ashby Public School in 1970.  Mark was drafted into the United States Army and was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska. Serving his country, was something he was extremely proud of. He was honorably discharged and returned home to farm with his family in 1974. Mark was a lifetime member of Kvam Free Lutheran Church, in rural Dalton, a lifetime member of Lake Region Pioneer Threshermen’s Association and a member of the Ashby American Legion Post 357 for 48 years. Memorial Day was something that was very special to Mark, he had a huge part of the planning of the Memorial Day program and presented the Final Roll Call at the Ashby Area Veteran’s Memorial.

On June 19, 1982, he married Barb Juul. They spent a wonderful 39 years together. October of that same year Mark started working at the United States Postal Service as a rural mail carrier. He held that position until his passing.

Family life was very important to Mark. On April 10, 1986, they were blessed with Jonathon Mark. To this day, the father-son bond was very strong. Mark continued farming and raising cattle with his son. Jon married Katie Johnson on June 15, 2013, and Mark and Barb finally got the family of 4, they had always wanted. Mark was a tough guy, but when his grandchildren, Henry and Hanna were born, his heart melted. He had a loving relationship with his grandchildren that will be remembered as part of his legacy. Mark chose not to go by the traditional name of Grandpa, because he wanted a name to call his own. He chose “Pa Mark”. As time went on, the name has been used by many others.

He loved his family and the people he knew well, was a friendly guy who could strike up a conversation with anyone.  He loved visiting with family and friends, especially over a beer in ‘the old garage’ at Jon and Katie’s.  Mark was a down to earth guy, very generous to the people he loved and very content with what he had.  He didn’t need much to be happy.

Mark is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Margaret Bratvold. Barb’s parents, Richard and Lorraine Juul. Aunt Marilyn Brenden, uncle Ardean Sleen, aunt and uncle Marilyn and Bud Phipps and niece Nicole Leman.

He is survived by his loving wife Barb, son Jonathon (Katie), grandchildren Henry & Hanna. Sisters Karen (Larry) Paulson, Carolyn (Loren) Leman, brother Joel (Ann) Bratvold. Brother in laws, Richard (Pauline) Juul, Tom (Carol) Juul. Aunt Esther Sleen, Uncle Eldon Brenden and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mark will be deeply missed by many whose hearts he touched

with his sense of humor and kind personality.

Memorials preferred to Kvam Free Lutheran Church, or Ashby Area Veterans Memorial

Memorial Service will be 1:00 PM, Saturday, October 30th at Zion-Sarpsborg Free Lutheran Church in Dalton.

Visitation will be Friday from 5 to 7 PM at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home in Ashby.

Reverend Mark Johnson officiating

Military Honors by the Ashby American Legion Post 357 with burial in the Kvam Cemetery.

Arrangements with Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Ashby.