Mark Spande, 53 years, passed away at home Saturday, October 2. Born August 25, 1968 in Winona, he was the eldest son of Paul A. and Janice (Ellestad) Spande. In 1987, he graduated from Mabel-Canton High School where he played football, basketball, and baseball. He then enrolled in Dunwoody College of Technology and the Winona Area Technical School. He was an active 4-H member, and his keen interest in radio-controlled model airplanes earned him a trip to the Minnesota State Fair.
Mark’s interest and competency with cars and farm equipment led to many repair and rebuild projects. The latest projects were the Sylvan Valley Construction Company and a three-generation Spande – Paul, Mark, and Tyler – rebuild of an Oliver tractor. Mark especially enjoyed his ATV rides with Bear and Boots beside him.
Mark is survived by his mother Janice (Mabel); brothers Todd (Superior, WI) and Justin (Hamburg, MN); nephew Tyler Spande (Lanesboro); niece Alyssa (Austin) Ryan (Burr Oak); grand-niece Harper Ryan; and grand-nephews Oaklee and Tripp Ryan; his step-daughter Kelly Carlson (San Diego); his special friend Nancy Gjere (Mabel), and his beloved dog Bear.
Mark was very involved in community work, always ready to lead or lend a hand to friend or stranger. He was a member of the Scheie Lutheran Church Council and volunteered for many years at the Catholic Charities Warming House, LaCrosse, WI.
Mark will long be remembered for his humility, kindness, and generosity. His easy and infectious laugh lit up many a group of family and friends. He was a caretaker of the land, the environment, and, above all, people.
Mark was predeceased by his wife, Donna; his father, Paul; and his grandparents Alton and Iva Spande and Sanford and Gertrude Ellestad.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Saturday, October 9, 2021 at Scheie Lutheran Church in rural Mabel. Visitation will be 9 – 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Burial will be at a later date in the Scheie Cemetery. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.
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