Elizabeth Mark

Elizabeth Louise “Betty” Mark, 99, of Fargo, ND, died Monday, October 22, 2007, at Bethany Homes in Fargo, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley. Elizabeth was born on April 27, 1908, in Granite Falls, MN, the daughter of Andrew and Margaret Hamre. She graduated from Granite Falls High School, attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, and graduated from McPhail School of Music in St. Paul. She taught school briefly in South Dakota. She moved to Fergus Falls, MN, and lived with her sister, Esther (Thorlaf) Svare. While in Fergus Falls, she met Harris R. Mark, formerly of McVille, ND. They were married on May 28, 1937, in Granite Falls. Harris attended and graduated from the Chicago School of Chiropidy. They moved to Fargo, ND, where Harris was a foot doctor at the Dr. Scholl Shoe Shop. He later went into private practice. Harris died on June 25, 1958. Elizabeth began playing the piano and organ at a young age, influenced by her older sisters, Cora and Margaret. She would play the piano at silent movies at the local movie theater and also play the organ in church. When Elizabeth and Harris moved to Fargo, she played the organ at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. She would later play at First Presbyterian Church and until retiring, at First Lutheran Church. She also taught piano in her home, having many students and teaching into her early 90’s. Elizabeth was active in many organizations in Fargo. She was a member of PEO Chapter V, and a founding member of PEO Chapter AT. She also was involved with Sigma Alpha Iota music sorority, Music Club, Woman’s Club History Section and was a member of the Abagail Circle at First Lutheran Church. She is survived by her son, John of Fargo; two grandchildren, Michelle Krebs and Alison Zapf, both of Windsor, CO; and four great-grandchildren, Justin Krebs, Gabrielle Krebs, Jessica Zapf and Evan Zapf, all of Windsor, CO. She is preceded in death by her husband, Harris; her son, Phillip; three brothers, Arnold, Herman and Adolph; and three sisters, Cora, Esther and Margaret. Memorial Service: 2:00 PM. Saturday, November 3, 2007, at First Lutheran Church, Fargo. Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Red River Valley and Bethany Homes.