MARK ANTONSON

Mark Wayne Antonson, of Mora, passed away on Monday, May 13, 2024, at the University of Minnesota Medical Center in Minneapolis.  He was 69 years old.

Mark was born on November 17, 1954, in Hawarden, Iowa to parents Carrol and Grace (Anderson) Antonson.  He spent some of his childhood in South Dakota before the family moved to Minnesota in 1966.  He attended country school for two years before attending Braham Schools.  He graduated in 1973.  He attended Golden Valley Lutheran College where he played baseball but eventually transferred to St. Cloud State University, graduating with a degree in Elementary Education.  In 1980, Mark began his teaching and coaching career in the Mora School District.

On January 23, 1982, Mark was united in marriage to Nancy Oien at Calvary Lutheran Church in Mora.  They made their home in Mora and were blessed with four daughters.

Over his career, Mark was an elementary teacher, before transitioning to an administrative role. He served as the Dean of Students, Community Ed. Director, and eventually the principal of Mora High School before retiring in 2012.  Never one to be idle, Mark worked as a Sales Associate at Mora Chevrolet until his health declined in February of 2024, forcing him to fully retire. 

Mark’s love of sports was a mainstay throughout his life.  He played numerous sports in high school, including football, basketball, and baseball. After high school he enjoyed playing slow-pitch softball with the Chalet team.  His love of sports then led him into a coaching role at Mora High School. He served as head baseball coach and Legion baseball coach for many years and also was an assistant coach for the Hinckley Knights town team.  He served as the assistant football coach for Mora High School as well. He truly loved working with all of the players over the years. To him, they were more than that, they were like family. He was an avid MN Twins fan, but his greatest love was supporting his daughters and grandchildren in all of their activities.

In November of 2017, Mark was diagnosed with AML cancer.  He battled valiantly for almost seven years, coming home after each inning.  But even though he had just been given the good news that he was in remission, his body was tired; so he rounded 3rd base, sliding into his heavenly home….Safe!

Mark will be remembered for his big smiles, warm hugs, his sense of humor, one liner jokes, and his infectious laugh.  He will be dearly missed!

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, brother Paul, mother and father-in-law, and brother-in-law Jon.

He is survived by his wife Nancy, daughters, Jamie Ulstrom, Brooke (Nick) Hohn, Emily (Josh) Brandt, and Paige Antonson; grandchildren, Ty Graves, Easton Hohn, Tenley Hohn, Brynn Brandt, and Crosby Brandt; brother David Antonson; sister Kristi Boudreau; sisters and brothers-in-law, Diane (Leon) Lofgren and Steve (Donna) Oien; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Mora with Pastor Stephen Sylvester officiating.

Memorial Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 7:00 pm on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at the Hamilton Funeral Homes - Akkerman chapel in Mora

AND again 1 hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday (beginning at 12 noon).

Inurnment will be in the Oakwood Cemetery in Mora.

Light refreshments will be served at the church following the services.

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