Deacon Mark Stenger

Deacon Mark Stenger passed away the morning of December 5th in his home surrounded by family.

Mark Laurence Stenger was born on August 10, 1963, in Perham, MN to Laurence and Marilyn (Moltzan) Stenger. He was Baptized, received his First Communion and Confirmed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dent. Mark graduated from Pelican Rapids High School with the class of 1981. He continued his education at Fergus Falls Community College where he received an associate degree in 1983.

In 1984, Mark purchased Precast Concrete Products, based out of Vergas, MN from his parents. The company evolved into Northwest Pipe and Tank Inc. After getting out of the concrete and pipe business, he continued to haul gravel and do lawn care until health issues forced him to retire.

On August 24, 1985, Mark was united in marriage with Joan Lynn Wilschewski at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dent. Together they started their family in rural Vergas on the farm where Mark grew up and were blessed with 3 children: Jim, Eddie and Nancy. In 1999 they moved to the other side of Vergas and built a home on Long Lake.

After feeling called to serve as a Catholic Deacon, he attended St. John’s University in St. Cloud where he received his master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry in 2012. On June 8, 2013, by the laying of hands by Bishop John Kinney, Mark was ordained a Permanent Deacon for the Diocese of St. Cloud. He was assigned as a Deacon for the parishes of Sacred Heart, Dent and St. Lawrence rural Perham. He then served the parishes of the NCACC until the time of his passing.

Mark enjoyed fishing, especially for muskie, and bow hunting for deer and turkeys. He enjoyed turning his harvest of fish and venison into gifts for family and dear friends. He spent hours perfecting his famous "Deke's Rub" seasoning, and enjoyed time on his grilling deck smoking ribs and brisket which he shared with many. Caribbean vacations, floating in the lake, and evening 4-wheeler rides were cherished time spent with Joan. He liked the Jackrabbits and disliked the Bison!

He enjoyed the hours spent working beside his children in the family business and was proud of their accomplishments later in life. He cherished the time spent with his family, especially with his grandchildren. Seeing his grandchildren fold their hands for dinner prayers touched his heart every time.

Preceding Mark in death were his parents: Laurence and Marilyn Stenger; Grandparents: John and Ottillia Stenger and William and Ann Moltzan; special friends: Bob Martin, Bob Herges, and Buster Fiedler.

Surviving Mark is his loving wife Joan of 37 years; children: Jim of Vergas, Eddie (Sam) of Afton and Nancy (Nathan) Ellering of Fargo; grandchildren: Isabel, Luke and Levi; siblings: Ken (Kim) Stenger, Geri (Mark) VanSanten, Linda (Darrell) Lende, Tom (Tammy) Stenger and Patty (Jerry) Klatt; dear friend Joe Tschida, whom he considered his brother; aunt: Betty Lee; extended family and cherished friends.

Per Deacon Mark's request in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Sacred Heart Seeds to Grow or St. Henry's Area School.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Deacon Mark Stenger, please visit our floral store.