Mark Roberts Obituary

Mark Roberts, age 59, of Marshall, Minnesota, died surrounded by family on Friday, July 11, 2025, at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Memorial Services are 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at the Cornerstone United Methodist Church in Marshall, Minnesota. Following the service, a luncheon will be provided. Visitation will be held one hour prior to his celebration, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, also at church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to an organization of the donor's choice.

Mark Allen Roberts was born to Eugene and Joanne (Goslar) Roberts on May 24, 1966, in Marshall. He was baptized as an infant, received his first communion and was confirmed at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in his youth. While Mark was in high school, he did odd jobs through the summer months such as, picking rocks, pulling and hoeing weeds, and detasseling corn for a little extra money. Mark attended Marshall area schools and graduated on his 18 birthday, May 24th, 1984. Following school, he worked for Western Community Action weatherizing homes for a brief period of time before beginning work at Schwan’s Food Company.

Mark loved his family deeply. When Mark was a boy, the family went fishing. Unfortunately, everyone caught a fish but Mark. As he was walking away, his dad, Eugene, slipped a fish on his line and said "Hey, Mark, you got a fish!" as Mark reeled it in, he was all smiles and happiness. These are the good memories the family held on to as Eugene passed away one year later. Mark enjoyed various activities in his younger years, including hunting, fishing, spending time outdoors, going to concerts and listening to many types of music, especially 80's rock.

In 1989, at the age of 23, Mark survived a car accident that left him blind, partially paralyzed, and with short term memory loss from a TBI (traumatic brain injury). Mark showed unwavering willpower by overcoming many challenges throughout his life. With his strong determination, faith and encouragement from his family, he learned to walk again, type on the computer and learned braille to play cards. He was the only person allowed to play with a marked deck!

Mark persisted in finding new ways to do many tasks in life and was able to live independently in his very own apartment for the last 10 years. He enjoyed visiting and having coffee with friends and neighbors. Mark would share his positive attitude, great sense of humor, and love of life with those who surrounded him. Many individuals would often ask him "Do you know who I am?" and he would jokingly reply "Why? Don't you know who you are?"

He had a special bond with his mom, Joanne, and would call every morning and night stating: "Hey Mom! This is your awesome son! I love you!" while also checking in various times throughout the day with random "I love you!" messages. Mark was an inspiration to many and will be dearly missed.

Mark went to his heavenly home on July 11, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Blessed be his memory as we carry his love and the lessons he taught us in our hearts.

He is survived by his mother, Joanne Thompson of Marshall; brothers, Mike (Dori) Roberts of Marshall, Dave (Carol) Roberts of Aurora, CO; nieces and nephews, Nick (Michelle), Alicia, Breanna, Jacob (Samantha); great-nieces and nephews, Kylie, Treyton, Brennen, Brysen, Cohen, Rylie, Finley, Paisley, other family, and many friends.

Mark was preceded in death by his father, Eugene Roberts; brother, Doug Roberts; and step-father, Jim Thompson.

~ Mark's obituary was lovingly written by his family. ~