Mark A. Robertson

Mark A. Robertson, age 71, passed away February 1, 2024.

Mark was raised on a farm, married the love of his life, raised four boys, had some fun along the way and doted on his grandkids. That would be Mark’s version. Short and sweet, without too much fuss. We, however, would like to fill in some of the gaps.

Born to Ervin and Lenora Robertson in Worthington, Minnesota, Mark was the only son sandwiched directly between four sisters. He grew up on a farm where he learned the value of hard work, family and faith. He went on to play basketball at Bethel College and graduated in 1976. On June 12, 1976, he married a Bethel cheerleader named Kathy VanHooser (yes, Bethel used to have cheerleaders). Mark began his career at Blaine High School teaching science, aeronautics and outdoor adventures. In 1989, Mark became the Activities Director at Blaine and later the Associate Principal. From 1997-2003, he served as the Principal at Forest Lake High School. Along the way, Mark earned two Master’s degrees from the University of St. Thomas.

From 2003-2009, Mark was the Superintendent of the Fridley School District. While at Fridley, he instituted an International Baccalaureate program, revamped curriculum, improved student achievement at all levels, and significantly increased a previously declining enrollment. This was quite a feat for a land-locked, aging school district. In 2008, Mark was honored as the Minnesota Superintendent of the Year.

Mark “retired” from the public school system in 2009 and never one to sit still, began education consulting approximately twelve hours later. Over the next several years, he worked with organizations including the Northwest Suburban Integration School District, T.I.E.S. Technology Consortium, and the MN Department of Education, making significant impacts.

In 2011, Mark was honored again, this time by Bethel University, as its Alumnus of the Year. He was humbled and deeply honored by this award. Mark also served as an Adjunct Professor in the EdD program for Bethel University from 2007 up until the day before he was hospitalized. He loved preparing the next generation of educators and leaders with a Christ centered focus. Mark stayed extremely active at Calvary Church in Roseville, MN where he started and taught the Connections Sunday School class.

Mark had a deep love of the outdoors and anything at their cabin at Indian Lake. He loved walking through the woods enjoying God’s creation. Mark was an avid deer hunter and fisherman. Other than spending time with family, his favorite time spent was sitting in a deer stand waiting for the giant buck to wander by, or fishing the waters of Indian Lake, Lake Superior or Lake Michigan. He loved his venison sticks, homemade korv and a good fish fry. Mark even tried his hand at elk hunting, but after not seeing an elk the entire time quipped, “well that just turned into an expensive camping trip.”

Mark also grew to love frisbee golf and designed and built his own 18-hole course in the woods near the shores of Indian Lake. Many hours were spent with his family and friends walking through the woods, throwing a disc, sharing time together and talking a bit of trash to throw opponents off their game.

Mark could fix or build just about anything and especially loved woodworking. In his earlier years he built cabinets for several friends’ kitchens and also built several houses and cabins during his summers off while still teaching. Mark was always willing and eager to lend a hand in everything from fixing a leaky faucet to remodeling his kids houses. In later years, he learned how to turn wood and created many beautiful bowls, vases and dishes. Mark was not one for sitting around much and it was good for him to keep busy.

Mark enjoyed hosting people, putting smiles on people’s faces and including everyone. Many meals were shared at his home and he loved having people up to the lake to share his love of the outdoors. He loved finding new games and playing them with great energy. Although his acting and sketching skills were often very suspect, he was able to take a good ribbing from his family and laugh at himself.

Mark held a deep faith and regularly encouraged others to share their faith to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was unwavering in his hope of salvation through Jesus. His example and teaching of faith to his kids and grandkids is the greatest, eternally impactful gift he ever gave. For that, we are truly grateful. Mark often said, first things are eternal things, and second things…is everything else.

Mark is survived by his wife, Kathy; sons, Eric (Amanda), Aaron (Erica), Grant (Lucy), and Nathan (Monica); his mother, Lenora Robertson and 13 grandkids: Annika, Miriam, Bjorn, Aubrey, Melia, Christian, Aida, Benji, Levi, Anna, Ellis, Henry and Mack. He is also survived by sisters, Nancy (Mick Thielen), Ellen (Tim Voigt) and Mary (Allen Mork); brothers-in-law, Chris Boyd, Jeff VanHooser, Don Ekstrand, sister-in-law, Janet Ekstrand; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Mark also grew to love his grand-pets (kind of): Diggs, Dewey and Mable.

 Mark was preceded in death by his father, Ervin; sisters, Leanna Kay and Susan Boyd; father-in-law, Harry VanHooser; and mother-in-law, Alice VanHooser.

Memorials can be made to Bethel University, Northwestern University or Helping Hands Healing Hearts Ministries (Orphanage in the Philippines).

Funeral Service 11:00 AM Saturday, February 10 at Calvary Church, 2120 N. Lexington Ave., Roseville, MN. Visitation will be held from 4-7 PM Friday, February 9 at Mueller-Bies Funeral Home - Roseville, 2130 N. Dale St. at County Rd B, and at the church from 10-11 AM Saturday. Luncheon to follow the service. A livestream of the service will be available on this page.

Mark will be buried at a later date at Birch Lake Cemetery in Mason, Wisconsin - a stone's throw away from his favorite place on earth.