View Don's memorial service here

Donald Marks, age 87, of Twin Valley, MN, passed away on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at his home.

Donald David Marks was born on April 9, 1936 in Moorhead, MN, the third of seven children to Edward and Evelyn (Fagerlie) Marks. He attended grade school in Moorhead and high school in Glyndon, where he graduated. Following his graduation, he began working in construction in the Fargo-Moorhead area. Don was drafted into the United States Army in October of 1958. He served two years in Germany and was honorably discharged in October of 1960. He then served in the Army Reserves in Fargo for 4 years.

Don married the love of his life, June Soberg, on April 8, 1961 in Glyndon. Don and June were blessed with three beautiful daughters: Jennifer, Kimberly, and Michelle. After their marriage, they remained in the Fargo area until 1964 when they moved to Twin Valley, MN where they made their home. The Marks family started the Twin Valley Bakery and Catering Service which they proudly operated for 37 years. They sold the business in 2001. Don and June then worked in the banquet department at the Shooting Star Casino for the next 11 years. He was then called to Edina, MN, to care for his daughter, Jennifer, as she fought a long battle with cancer. Don and June lived with and cared for her for three years until her passing in November of 2014. They then returned to Twin Valley where they started their retirement.

Don was very active in the community as a former Lion's Club and Twin Valley Boosters Club member. He was also a volunteer on the Twin Valley Fire Department for 22 years. Don was a member of Zion Lutheran Church where he served as a greeter and usher. In his later years, you could find him at the church making cookies for the Sunday coffee hour. Don had a gift of gab and enjoyed visiting with everyone who crossed his path. Never to be idle, he filled his time with hunting, fishing, and the great outdoors – especially fishing trips to Lake of the Woods with his brothers-in-law. He enjoyed tending to his lawn and caring for his big garden every summer.

Family was always a priority to Don, and he was especially thrilled when he was promoted to Grandpa. He loved spending time with his granddaughters visiting and playing cards. He passed on his love of baking by teaching them to make lefse and krumkake.

Don is survived by his wife of 62 years, June; daughters, Kim (Dave) Murden and Michelle (Pete Karl) Marks; four granddaughters: Ruby and Grace Murden and Naiya and Adele Karl; sisters-in-law: Joanne Marks, Mary Jo Marks, Patsy Jones, Nancy Soberg, and Tiny Soberg; brother-in-law, Sonny (Janie) Soberg; and many cherished extended family and friends. Don was preceded in death by his daughter, Jennifer; his parents; sister, Doris Sagen; brothers: Duane, Richard, Edward, David, and John; and many close friends.

A memorial service will be held at the Zion Lutheran Church in Twin Valley, on Monday, July 10, 2023, at 11:00am. A visitation will be held at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Twin Valley, on Sunday, July 9 from 2:00pm – 4:00pm with a prayer service at 3:30pm. Inurnment will be at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Twin Valley.