Mark Wilken

mark wilken

Mark Edward Wilken, 57, of West Fargo, ND passed away on August 27th, 2014. Mark was born in Moorhead, MN on January 4th, 1957 to parents Wilfred and Jean (nee Bailey) Wilken.  He graduated from Shanley High School and married his high school sweetheart Arlene (nee Richard) Wilken on November 25th, 1977. Mark was an active member of Blessed Sacrament parish in West Fargo where he was also a member of the Knight's of Columbus, and applied his love of singing as a long-time member of the choir.  Mark's beautiful voice truly matched his beautiful soul. Mark was preceded in death by his daughter Elizabeth, parents Wilfred and Jean, and sister Lori Bartch.  Mark is survived by his wife Arlene, children Nicole (Kim Lo), Joshua, Kati (Heathe Poston), David, Maggie and seven grandchildren. Mark's surviving siblings include his sisters Sandy (Bud Dickson) and Pamela (James Clark), and brothers Tim (Judy) and Scott (Sue), as well as many nieces and nephews. Mark left his friends and family far too soon, and will remain in our hearts forever.

There will be a Prayer Service for Mark at Blessed Sacrament Church, West Fargo, at 7:00 p.m. Monday with visitation one hour before. The  funeral will be at Blessed Sacrament Church at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday with visitation one hour before. Interment will be at Holy Cross North Cemetery.

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  1. Fargo ND
    Arlene,
    With deep sympathy from our family to yours, and to your extended family.
    I had many opportunities to hang out and watch Mark grow up as Sandy’s little brother. He was an adorable and lovable child. Mark became a very special man. Our deepest sympathy to Mark’s family of origin as well. Please know that we keep you all in our thoughts and prayers at this time of such sorrow and sadness.
    love,
    Deb Frey and family
    Fargo, ND

  2. West Fargo We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family dueinf this time and the future to come. Try to find some light. It may not get better, but remember the good times and he would want the family members to be happy. Losing a dad is hard…I can relate but you all still have eachother…although we may not understand…try and move forward in life…Life is so precious! Be thankful for the memories…

  3. Abercrombie North Dakota
    Arlene and Family, We are so sorry to hear about Mark. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this sad time.

    Andrea and David Hammond

  4. Fargo ND
    I was saddened to learn of Mark’s death. Please accept my sympathies. He and your family will be in my prayers.

  5. West Fargo ND
    We are so sorry for the loss of Mark. Husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to so many.

    A reminder to all of us how precious life is and how quickly it can be taken. Words just don’t seem to be enough to express our feelings, but please know our thoughts and prayers are being sent to you Arlene, David, and all your entire family

    Debbie & David Grant

  6. Horace ndI heard of Mark’s passing from my daughter Kelsey. Shocked because I know that he was so full of life! He was a good friend to work with and always had a smile for everyone. My condolences to your family.

    Vickie

  7. Brainerd MN
    Arlene…I was so sorry to read about your loss. Mark was a wonderful guy and he will be missed by many people. Please know that Jon and I are thinking of you and sending you our prayers for strength.

  8. Broomfield ColoradoWe were so very sorry to hear about Mark’s passing. I wish we lived closer so we could attend the funeral and pay our respects. I remember the first time I met Mark, his eyes were such a beautiful deep blue and along with Arlene’s their kids were bound to inherit that quality.

    We are deeply sorry about the Wilken family’s loss and I wish there was something we could do to help ease the pain. Please know we are thinking of you.

  9. Detroit Lakes MN
    My deepest sympathy to the whole Wilken family…I did your Mom’s hair and got to know Mark when he had to give Jean a ride-over the years I think I met all of your family. Also knew Mark and Arlene from Blessed Sacrament chruch and the choir–my prayers go out to all of you and your families.

  10. West Fargo Please accept all our prayers and love. We are all diminished when we loose a family member, friend and fellow singer. One additional voice for God’s choir.

  11. Atikokan OntarioSo sorry to hear of Mark’s passing, I will miss his friendly smile and our visits at CCO. Thinks of you all at this difficult time may you find comfort with family and friends.

  12. Alexandria VAArlene and family, I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Mark. I am thinking of you during this very difficult time. I hope that the many wonderful memories you have of your time with him with help carry you through and support you.

  13. St. Paul MN
    Dear Arlene and Family,
    So sorry to hear of Mark’s passing.
    Our hearts go out to all of you and are keeping all you in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless you all.
    Mary (McShane) and Keith Irestone Family

  14. West Fargo ND
    Arlene, Nicole, Josh, Katie, Maggie and David: Our hearts go out to you at this most difficult time. I will always remember Mark’s beautiful voice in the church choir. When he smiled, the whole room would light up. We couldn’t have asked for a better neighbor in our “old neighborhood”. He loved his family dearly and was a hard worker. Eternal rest grant onto him, Oh Lord, and let the perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of Christ, rest in peace. Amen
    God Bless each and every one of you!

  15. Fargo North Dakota
    Mark Wilken was a friend to our family as Fred worked for his Dad (Willie).
    Our thoughts and prayers and Sympathy go out to all Mark’s Brothers & Sisters and his family.
    Lucille Winkler

  16. santa fe nmMy thoughts and prayers go out to you Arlene and all of your family and Marks.

    As you know Mark was always one of my favorites! He could always make me laugh,(hard!), and also got me in trouble all the time!

    Mark was very loved and will be missed.

  17. West Fargo North Dakota
    Dear Arlene and family,
    I am so, so sorry for your loss of Mark as a husband, father, father-in-law, grandpa, and uncle. Mark was a wonderful man who always had a smile on his face and a laugh that was contagious. He had a beautiful voice that could bring tears to your eyes. My thoughts, prayers, love, and hugs to all in your family! Love to all! Gerri Dyrdahl

  18. omaha NETim and family I am so sorry to hear of your brothers passing my thoughts and prayers are with you God bless. Colleen

  19. Gold Canyon AZ
    I’m very sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. It is far too soon. I can remember well how Mark kept his classmates in good humor while we were at Shanley High. At the last reunion for the Class of ’75, I thought he looked just like the same kid I knew from school. We laughed about the ribbings he used to hand out to keep us all smiling.

    He will be missed and always remembered. My prayers go out to your entire family. Best wishes and deepest sympathy to you all.

    Jack Schons
    Class of 1975
    Shanley High School


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