Mark Martinson, age 41, of Barnesville, MN, died Thursday, September 21, 2006, as the result of an automobile/pedestrian accident while running near Barnesville.

Mark Alan Martinson was born August 9, 1965, in Ada, MN, the son of Arne and Sonja (Sethney) Martinson. He was baptized and confirmed in his faith in Ness Lutheran Church near Gary, MN. As a youngster, Mark was raised in Twin Valley, MN, where he attended school and graduated from Twin Valley High School with the class of 1984. After graduation, Mark enrolled in Wahpeton School of Science for two years and graduated with a degree in Architectural Drafting. He was employed in a cabinet shop in Thief River Falls, MN, and a Crookston, MN, lumberyard for several years. Mark then went on to further his education for two years at Bemidji State University, Bemidji, MN, earning a degree as an Industrial Technician Draftsman. He worked for a time for Stenerson Lumber in Moorhead, MN, as well as in the Twin Cities. In 2000, Mark worked for Rapat Corporation in Hawley, MN, for a time. In 2002, he went to work for Mid-America Steel in Fargo, ND where he was employed up to the present time. On November 22, 2004, Mark was united in marriage to Tanya Fristo in Coeur d'Alene, ID. The couple has made their home in Barnesville since 2001.

The love of Mark's life was his wife and children and he treasured the time spent with them. He also had a passion for running which was evident in the number of marathons he participated in such as the Grandma's Marathon, Fargo Marathon and the San Diego Rock-N-Roll Marathon. He most recently participated in Dick Beardsley ½ Marathon in Detroit Lakes, MN. Mark also enjoyed participating with his friends in Fantasy Football, spending time riding bike and watching Minnesota sports events.

Mark is survived by his wife, Tanya of Barnesville; sons, Brooks and Ryan and daughter, Sidney, all at home; parents, Arne and Sonja Martinson of Twin Valley; brother, Rick (Valerie) of Barnesville and his sister, Toni Martinson of San Diego, CA. Surviving also is his mother and father-in-law, Al and Karen Wattula of Kellogg, ID; sisters-in-law, Lori Koutsoukis of Seattle, WA and Shelly (Jeff) Blakney of Coeur d'Alene, ID and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents.

Funeral Services were held on Monday, September 25, 2006, at 11:00 AM in Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Barnesville. Officiating was Pastor Carlton Andersen with Charlene Allen serving as organist and Monica Winter serving as vocalist. Pallbearers were Jody Bueng, David Martinson, Danny Martinson, Jeff Evenson, Kevin Evenson and Rick Crane. Honorary pallbearers were John Olson, Lanny Brekke and Chris Hintze. Visitation were held from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM on Sunday, September 24, 2006, with a Prayer Service at 5:00, all at the Anderson Funeral Home, Twin Valley. Visitation was one hour before services at the church on Monday.

Burial took place in Barnesville City Cemetery, Barnesville.