Mark A. "Hemmer" Hemquist

Mark A. “Hemmer” Hemquist, age 63, of Parkers Prairie, died on Sunday, February 13, 2022, surrounded by his family at home on the Hemquist family farm.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, February 19, 2022, at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie with Pastor Rachel Stout officiating. Music is provided by organist, Julie Lindgren. Mark’s service will be livestreamed on his obituary page on the funeral home’s website. Private family interment will take place at a later date at Swedish Lutheran Cemetery, Parkers Prairie.

Visitation is from 3-7 p.m., Friday, at First Evangelical Lutheran Church and will continue one hour prior to the service.

Mark Alan was born on July 3, 1958, to Carroll and Arlene (Moske) Hemquist in Parkers Prairie. He was baptized on August 3, 1958, and confirmed on June 3, 1973, both at First Evangelical Lutheran Church. He graduated from Parkers Prairie High School in 1976. Following his graduation, Mark dabbled in construction while enjoying life with some of his closest friends. Upon his return to Parkers Prairie, he took over the Hemquist family farm. Mark was married and blessed with three children. He farmed until 1997, and then began working at Daniel’s Food Equipment for 19 years. Mark found his new purpose and calling in his career at St. William’s Living Center putting all his traits, skills, love, and passions to good use. He was a listening ear, helping hand, and problem solver. Mark had a heart of gold and a smile that could light up any room. IF he had time, he did a little maintenance work too! Mark spent the last 11 years with his true love and partner in life, Jill Rasmusson. He was a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church, served on its church board, and the Swedish Lutheran Cemetery Board. Mark also served on the Elmo Township Board and was part of the Parkers Prairie Sports Boosters. He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing, camping, and mowing Mark’s Park. He also enjoyed attending concerts and going to the theatre. Mark was an avid sports fan, just like his dad, from the Minnesota Twins to the Parkers Prairie Panthers and BHVPP wrestling. Most of all, he loved spending time with his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carroll and Arlene Hemquist; nephews, Rick Klimek and Michael Wendt; nieces, Kimberly Klimek and Brieann Wendt; and many aunts, uncles, and other relatives.

Mark is survived by his partner in life and fiancée, Jill Rasmusson; children, Christina (Ricky) Truax of Parkers Prairie, Matthew Hemquist of Parkers Prairie, Heidi (Jon) Ledman of Coon Rapids, Eric (Kelsey) Rasmusson of Moorhead, and Cambell Rasmusson of Osseo; grandchildren, Holden, Hudson, Hattie, and Haizel Truax, Mason and Emmett Ledman, and Eli, Harlow, Sloane, and Isla Rasmusson; siblings, Maxine “Mickey” (Dennis “Denny”) Klimek, LeRoy “Swede” (Nora) Hemquist, John “Fred” (Cathe) Hemquist, Harris “Hank” (Sheri) Hemquist, and Mary (Steve) Wendt; along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

Urnbearers are Matthew Hemquist, Daniel “Scootz” Klimek, Charlie Newberg, and  Joyce “Tiger” Iverson. Honorary urnbearers are Eric Gesell, Glenn Freudenberg, Joe Dorn, Eric Martinson, Bob Koep, and Dave Bernu.