Mark Swartzell
August 21, 1950 ~ August 9, 2021
Born in Jamestown ND to Asa Swartzell and Marjorie J (Lang) Swartzell. Mark graduated from Jamestown High School class of 1968. He served in the United States Navy as a corpsman. His love for public broadcasting and armature radio has been his career and hobby for many years. He was news director at Regional Radio Operation “Dakota News Network” based in Fargo for 20 plus years. Mark was a member of the Lighthouse Church in Fargo and was well loved by his church family; he was also involved in local amateur radio clubs. Mark was a member of the American Veterans Color Guard. He is survived by his son Tyler, sister Janet Hinson, niece Kiran Kanaan and nephews Aaron Yunker and Andrew Bhatnagar.
Internment was 8-13-2012 at Fargo National Cemetery with full Military Honors. Donations may be made to the Kidney Foundation.
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So sorry to lose such a great human. Mark was so talented & will be missed by so many who loved & cared about him.. Rest in peace Mark.. See you in radio heaven my friend.
Just heard about Mark. We are so sorry to hear of his passing. He was a wonderful member and friend of Lighthouse Church. He will be greatly missed. He had such a strong faith though, we know for sure he is sitting with Jesus and happy! Our condolences from Lighthouse Church.
Deepest sympathy to Mark’s family. His distinguished voice my have been silenced but we shall hear it forever in our memories.
So sorry to hear about Marks passing. Mark worked with my father Don Dresser at WDAY for many years and my dad always spoke highly of Mark. My deepest condolences to Mark’s family and friends. RIP Mark and Gods Blessings.
Mark….So sad to see you go. You were a lively, cheerful person who did some interesting things outside of broadcasting. We are all poorer for your passing. Rest in peace.
Jan Thomas (Pasek)
ex-KFYR Radio
Philadelphia, PA
My wife, Debbie and I, would like to extend our sincerest sympathies to Mark’s family members and friends. Mark was a fine gentleman and a great newsman. I worked with Mark for a brief time at WDAY AM Radio, here in Fargo. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
The staff of The Mix 1470 KHND Radio in Harvey will truly miss Mark and his big voice! R David Adams and myself will also miss his call ins to us on our talkshow. I am glad I had the opportunity to call him my friend!
RIP Mark.
My deepest sympathies to Mark’s family. Mark was a great friend from many years back. Deborah Mollison
Sincere sympathy to Mark’s family, his Dakota News Network family and all who knew and loved “Swartzee” as he was affectionately referred to around here. All of us at DRG Media Group were saddened to hear that he had passed away. Mark has been a familiar voice on our radio stations for years and years! It would be harder to find someone who didn’t know him or recognize his voice. Our thoughts are with you all.
I listen to KDKT Radio here in Austin, TX because there’s no Jim Rome affiliate here. I enjoyed listening to Mark’s reports every day even though I didn’t live in the Dakotas. Condolences to the family and friends of Mark.
So sorry to hear about Mark. Worked a lot with him when he was in Bismarck. I’ll remember him in my prayers. In coelo quies est.
Sorry to see you go my friend, Heavens ag radio just got a great addition. Hugs to your family, you’ll be sorely missed.
Saddened to hear about Mark’s passing. We were fast friends years ago in the ’70s at KFYR in Bismarck. The distinctive sound of his voice, the precise articulation and measured delivery, made his a memorable voice on the radio. And he was so well liked and admired – by the radio staff and management (even by Bob Macleod, the original voice of authority on KFYR) and by his counterparts in TV news. Sending our sympathy to the family and his many other friends.
Oh dear Mark! My awesome neighbor that always had a great conversation whenever we met in the hallways or outside. You’re missed and I’ll always remember you. Rest east neighbor.
I am SO sad to hear this. Mark and I worked together at KOMA and again at KFYR in the 1970s. We spent much time together both in and out of the studios. Mark was a true professional and a great friend. My deepest condolences to his family. RIP, Marky Mark, You were the Best.
Mark, I just learned of your passing and am sorry to see you go. Prayers for your family and may you Rest in Peace, classmate.