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Mark Douglas Broden 65, of Fertile, MN was born June 19 ^th , 1956, to Robert & Myrtle (Bakken) Broden in Crookston, MN. Mark was baptized and confirmed in his faith at Maple Bay Free Lutheran Church and attended Fertile-Beltrami High School graduating in 1974.

Mark was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart Shelly Ellegaard on June 11 ^th , 1977, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Fertile where the couple made their home with their 5 children. Mark was the owner of a body shop in Fertile from 1974 until 1980. When Mark sold the shop, he resourcefully became a man of many talents holding various positions in sales, construction and eventually going into business for himself as an Owner Operator OTR Trucker. Mark enjoyed rambling around the country kicking back and seeing the sights but also taking every opportunity to pound the pavement then turn and burn to get back to family. Mark made it a point to connect with his brothers, sisters and their families maintaining a positive presence in their lives. He enjoyed many surprise 'pop in' visits to have coffee or go out for supper.

Mark bonded over experiences and instilled a love of travel in his family making the most of his time by hosting many 'Trips of a Lifetime' which his children, grandchildren and others will forever benefit from. When the little ones weren't allowed to come along, they treasured the gifts and stories Grandpa would bring home. Grandpa Mark never missed a chance to bring his boys to the barber shop to keep it high and tight or take his girls to the beauty salon for colorful pedi's. He made the Fertile Fair a family event by always treating the children to annual Megabands and extra spending cash, paying out extra for good grades. Nothing brought Mark greater joy then to take in the 'Live Entertainment' his grandchildren provided. Truly cherishing all the interactions with them. Through good times and bad, he could fix anything; 'from a broken heart to the crack of dawn.'

Mark was a very generous man, donating to local needs. He made great memories as a Winger Lion's member and later was in regular attendance for fundraisers and breakfast benefits; if he couldn't make it, he would call his kids to represent by stopping by to support. It was never a surprise to see Mark mowing a neighbor's lawn, grading their road or bringing over food and beverage after a loss in genuine support.

Mark had an 'Appetite for Life' enjoying clean food and dirty jokes. Mark made in a point to be in attendance for special moments in the lives of his family and friends, always showing up for a good time. Mark made friends easily over sports, work, family and common interests. He appreciated meeting new people and relished in gatherings of comradery and brotherhood on a patio or pontoon whenever he could. Mark excelled as an athlete and even after his perfect health began a decline, he was ever able to outshine others on the golf course; and don't forget it.

There were difficult days of dr. appointments and medical side effects, but Mark never let that bother him, he never stopped moving and never let the grass grow under his tires. Mark had faith in God and put his trust in him that the Kingdom of Heaven and the joy in everyday was worth any struggle.

Mark is survived by his wife Shelly and their 5 children, Andrew (Andrea) Broden, Fertile, MN, Ashley (Ben) Hand, Fertile, MN, Arick (Lori) Broden, Winger, MN, Alexander Broden, Crookston, MN, and Mark (Rebecca) Broden II, Thief River Falls, MN; 13 grandchildren, Autumn, Gage, Gavin, AshLynne, Gradyn, Kallie, Zoë, Hailey, Nevaeh, Riley, Gunnar, Niles and Noah; siblings, Irving (Phylis) Broden, Beltrami, MN, Sara Lucken Winger, MN, Ellie Gilbertson Winger, MN, JoAnn (Paul) Levang Fergus Falls, MN, Roger Broden, Fertile, MN, Ruth (Bob) Kiehne Elk Grove, CA, and Arvid (Crystal) Broden, Fertile, MN; in-laws, Eric (Joan) Ellegaard, Fertile, MN, and Mary Beth Ellegaard, Detroit Lakes, MN; as well as many treasured nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends.

Mark was preceded in death by his mother and father, his mother and father in-law, his siblings, George and Mary Broden, brothers in-law, Richard Gilbertson, Lynn Lucken, and Bruce, Grant, Mark and Barry Ellegaard, and a grandson, Nash. Mark passed away suddenly but peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday November 3, 2021, at home in Fertile.

Funeral: 11:00 AM, Friday, November 12, 2021 at Concordia Lutheran Church, Fertile, MN. Due to COVID 19 concerns please wear a mask when attending the visitation and funeral.

Visitation: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Friday, November 12, 2021 at Concordia Lutheran Church, Fertile. MN.

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