Mark W. Jennissen

Mark William Jennissen, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 17, 2023 at the age of 63 years, 4 months, 16 days.

Mass of Christian Burial is 11 a.m., Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Church of St. Mary in Alexandria with Fr. Matthew Kuhn officiating.

Visitation will begin at 4 p.m. and conclude with a 7 p.m. prayer service and rosary on Friday, March 24^th at Lind Family Funeral Home in Alexandria. The visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Mark was born October 31, 1959, in Sauk Centre to William and Eileen (Kemper) Jennissen.  He grew up on two separate farms with his family, their dairy farm near Padua, and their farm north of Sauk Centre. He helped with typical farm chores and was active in 4H.

Music was always a substantial and meaningful part of Mark's life. He was a talented trumpet player and performed in the Sauk Centre School bands and solo competitions.  Mark was equally talented in voice. He began singing in the church choir in his youth and also sang in several choral groups and in solo contests in the Sauk Centre Schools. He enjoyed singing in church choirs in each community he lived, and he especially appreciated the opportunity to cantor in Staples with his mother playing the organ. 

In his youth, Mark challenged himself to perform at his best in sports.  He had three hip surgeries in eighth grade which kept him at home to recuperate.  During this time, he spent many hours learning baseball and football stats with his growing sports card collection.  After he recovered, he played with determination on the Sauk Centre football and wrestling teams.

His early employment included working for his grandparents, as well as his aunt and uncles, on their dairy farms.  Upon graduation, he was employed in the role of both Manager and Cook at Tony's Chicken in Staples at his parent's restaurant.   After his employment as a Food Service Specialist at Staples Hospital, he became the Lead Cook at the Motley and Staples Schools and managed the school sports concessions. Mark was known as "Coach Jenners" for 20 years in the Staples area.  It gave him great pleasure to coach his son and teammates in baseball, and lifelong friendships were born. He also coached for the Staples Football teams, both junior varsity and varsity. Mark was owner and operator of The Little Shop of Cards in downtown Staples. Later in his career, he became Food Service Director at Bertha-Hewitt Schools. 

After high school, Mark was united in marriage to Ann Trantina, and to this union, a daughter, Tina, was born.  In his second marriage, he was united to Kathryn Olson, and to this union, his son Chris and daughter Cassandra were born.  Later in life, in 2009, Mark met Sharlene and they were wed on April 9, 2016, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alexandria. To this union, Mark gained four stepchildren: Rachel, Jacob, Nathan, and John.

Mark enjoyed every opportunity he could be with his children, grandchildren, and extended family.  He cheered on his children in their activities and pursuits, and was proud of their accomplishments. He had a great sense of humor and a bright smile. He was always open to talking about sports, music, or his faith with friends and family. Mark took pleasure traveling together with his wife Sharlene to several locations across the country. At a deeper level, Mark was a gentle man of God, a patient listener with a calming presence.  His love for the Lord grew with the years, and his humble faith was a significant part of his life, along with his weekly dedication in adoration of our Lord and daily prayer of the rosary. 

Mark was preceeded in death by his parents, William and Eileen Jennissen.

He is survived by his wife, Sharlene; children, Tina (David) Dooher, Christopher Jennissen, Cassandra (James) Peters;  stepchildren, Rachel (Kyle) Coffman, Jacob Scheller, Nathan Scheller, and John Scheller;  grandchildren, Rylee, Summer and Ava; eleven brothers and sisters:  Julie (Paul) Konz, Laurie (Steve) Pelkey, Neil (Amy) Jennissen, Billy Jennissen, Nic (Paulette) Jennissen, Dean (Lisa) Jennissen, Keith (Jill) Jennissen, Steve (Sarah) Jennissen, Lynn (Kessie) Jennissen, Paula (Keith) Brown, Jesse (Kirsten) Jennissen, and many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers are Liam, Sam, Grady, Zach, Alex, and Wyatt Jennissen, Nathan and John Scheller.