Mark Steven Boxrud, beloved husband, dad, grandpa, brother, and friend, completed his final trip around the sun on February 4, 2024 in Mora, MN. He was born on February 4, 1954, in Saint Paul, MN to Robert and Jean Boxrud. The family moved around before settling in Hettinger, ND where he attended elementary school before moving to Hastings, MN, where he completed his junior high and high school education at Hastings High School, graduating in 1972.
On October 28, 1972, Mark married his high school sweetheart, Jaci Hoffman, in Hastings. Their beautiful journey together spanned over 51 years, filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Mark and Jaci were blessed with four children: Nathan, Jessica, Zachary, and Leah.
Education was important to Mark, and he attended college at River Falls, WI, while attending classes and starting their family he worked on the barges on the Mississippi River, he loved his time spent on the water. In 1980, he earned his bachelor's degree in Agricultural Education, he would later go on to receive his master’s degree in 1998. Mark began his teaching career in 1980 in Hinckley, MN. During his time there, he also assisted with coaching wrestling and led the FFA program. In 1982, Mark and his family moved to Mora, where he worked as a loan officer with Production Credit for five years. However, his passion for education led him back to the classroom, and in 1987, Mark started teaching at Mora High School.
During his tenure at Mora High School, he not only shared his knowledge with students but also served as advisor for Knowledge Bowl, helped coach Jr High football, and lead the FFA program where he had several state and a few national participants, he made a lifelong impression on many of his students. Mark's dedication to education led him to embrace technology, and he transitioned to the role of the head of the technology department for Mora Schools. He retired in 2014, leaving a lasting impact on countless colleagues, many of whom he called friends.
Outside of his professional life, Mark cherished spending time with his family. He adored his grandchildren and always beamed with joy whenever they were around. Trips to the North Shore, weekend adventures with Jaci, trips to Hawk Ridge to see the yearly migration, and their annual summer cabin week at Birch Haven on Gull Lake were moments that brought him immense joy. Mark was known for his adventurous spirit, always seeking out new restaurants and providing honest reviews. Watching Sunday football with his loved ones, especially cheering on the Vikings, was a tradition he cherished dearly. He had a flair for the dramatic and enjoyed the many shows he participated in with the local community theatre. He shared that love with his grandkids every Thanksgiving when he wrote and directed “Jellybean Theatre” productions. His love of gardening was epic, he enjoyed getting his hands in the earth and watching nature grow in his backyard.
Mark's love for fishing was legendary, and he had some remarkable fishing adventures. He looked forward to the Kabetogama fishing trips with his fellow high school teachers every summer. Opening fishing on Winnie and the trips to Rainy with the grandkids were also cherished memories. Watching his grandchildren catch fish on Gull Lake brought him immeasurable happiness. The Sunny hole on Gull and the Northern Cruise were among his favorite spots.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Jean Boxrud, and his sister, Shelly Johnson.
He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Jaci, his children Nathan, Jessica (Jason) Thomson, Zach (Jenny), and Leah Berry, along with his grandchildren Sierra and Saul Thomson, Evan, Austin, Ruby and Myles Boxrud, Layla and Maggie Berry. He is also survived by his siblings LeeAnn (Rodney) Lutz and Dan (Dawn) Boxrud, and many nieces, nephews, and friends who will forever remember him with love and admiration.
On Saturday, March 2, 2024 at the Dresser Methven Funeral Home in Mora, Minnesota there will be a celebration honoring Mark's life at 2:00PM, then, per Mark's wishes, we will continue until 5:00PM with a "Bars in the Basement" style visitation giving those who loved and respected him a time to gather and celebrate a life well lived.
In lieu of flowers the family will be setting up a memorial scholarship in his memory.
Arrangements by Methven Funeral and Cremation Services, Dresser Methven Chapel, Mora, Minnesota www.methvenfuneralhome.com
