Mark Eugene Wedin, age 69, of Las Vegas, Nev., passed away on April 28, 2024, from complications of cardiovascular disease and diabetes at Meriter Hospital in Madison, Wis., with his daughter and granddaughters by his side.
Mark was born on Jan. 19, 1955, in Grand Forks, N.D., to Robert and Phyllis “Toots” (Iverson) Wedin. He grew up in Grand Forks, graduating from Central High School where he played hockey and football. He attended the North Dakota School of Science, graduating with an electrical degree in 1976. He later went on to attend the University of Mary earning a bachelor’s degree in business and accounting.
Mark married Penny Sholes on July 20, 1973, and they had four children together, Heidi, Brent, Michael, and Casey. Mark worked on numerous construction projects across the United States. Some of his favorite projects were the Big Dig in Boston and working on the FontaineBleau Casino in Las Vegas. He was a very proud member of the IBEW Union.
Mark enjoyed debating with anyone who was willing or not so willing to debate with him. Mark was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed his time coaching youth and high school hockey in Bismarck, N.D. He had a passion for officiating amateur fast pitch softball, the national and state slow pitch softball tournaments, and high school and collegiate football games. If there was a sporting event on tv he was watching it. Especially if it was his beloved Golden Knights.
Mark enjoyed spending time with his family at the lake. He was a proud grandpa and whether it was hockey, basketball, wrestling, figure skating or a dance competition if he was in town he would be there cheering them on.
After retiring, Mark moved to Las Vegas where he enjoyed spending his time at Red Rock Casino and playing poker with his Wednesday night poker group.
In his final days, Mark enjoyed reminiscing about the good old days, working out at Golds Gym, and watching Virgil Hill fight. Mark was known to have a sense of humor and he had it until the very end.
Mark is survived by his mother, Phyllis “Toots” Wedin of Grand Forks, N.D.; children, Heidi (Jim) Christianson of Cottage Grove, Wis., Brent (Meghan) of College Grove, Tenn., Michael (April) of Fosston, Minn., and Casey (Ashley) of Grand Forks, N.D.; 11 grandchildren, Hannah, Miah, and Sophie Christianson, Christian, Robert, and Beau Wedin, Joe, Reese, and Luke Wedin, and Ty and Mya Wedin; two sisters, Diane (Steve) Swanson of Grand Forks, N.D., and Suzanne Wedin of Grand Forks, N.D.; two brothers, Robert John Wedin of Grand Forks, N.D., and Billy Wedin of Oklahoma City, Okla.; and special friend, Cathy Durkee of Las Vegas, Nev. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Wedin Sr.; and his grandchildren, Tyler Christianson, Gunner Christianson, and Chloe Wedin.
We would like to thank the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, and Meriter Hospital for the exceptional care and grace which they gave our father in his last days; as well as Cathy Durkee for all of the care and assistance that she gave Mark over this last year.
A memorial service will be held at AUGUSTANA LUTHERAN CHURCH, 520 University Ave., Grand Forks, N.D., at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. A visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420