Mark "Sonny" Starkey, age 66, of Mahnomen, MN, died Friday, May 12, 2017, at the Sanford Hospital, Fargo, ND.

Mark Harley Starkey was born August 11, 1950, in Mahnomen, MN, the son of Harley and Priscilla (Stall) Starkey. He was raised in Mahnomen, where he attended school. Following graduation, Mark entered the workforce in Fargo, ND, hauling gravel. He later worked at the turkey plant and driving truck for JC Trucking in Bejou, MN. Mark was currently working at the Shooting Star Casino, where he has been since its opening. Mark met his soul mate, Linda Ames, and together they have made their home in Mahnomen with their family for many years.

Mark enjoyed fishing, hunting, shooting guns, cook outs and grilling. He also loved to take a road trip to visit family and friends and head to the casino to play his "promo". Mark truly loved people and was devoted to his family. He had a gift for making people laugh and was a genuine jokester. He adored spending time with his grandchildren, especially if it included spoiling them. He was a man of no complaints and very gentile by nature. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Mark is survived by his significant other, Linda, Mahnomen, MN; son, Ira Ames of Detroit Lakes, MN; daughter, Esther Ames, also of Detroit Lakes, MN; 4 grandchildren: Glory, Gavin, Jewel and Allasandra; his mother, Priscilla "Percy" Starkey of Mahnomen, MN; brother, Terry Starkey, Mahnomen, MN; two sisters, Judy (Steve) Bellefeuille of St. Michael, MN and Vicky (Tom) Burford of Bagley, MN; along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Harley; grandparents, Wilbert and Clara Starkey and Louis and Theresa Stall; brother, LeRoy "Rocky" Starkey and son, Samuel Ames.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, May 18, 2017, at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Mahnomen, MN, at 2 pm.

Visitation will take place at Anderson Family Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 17, 2017 from 5 pm until 7 pm, with a Prayer Service & Rosary beginning at 6:30 pm.

Burial will be in the St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery.