Mark Otto Forkner

Mark's prayer service can be viewed here. https://vimeo.com/744702068

Mark's funeral service can be viewed here. https://vimeo.com/744701636

Mark's tribute video can be viewed here: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/PR74RQ8NYLB5HXWH

Mark Forkner, 84, of Fargo, North Dakota passed away on Aug 27, 2022 at BeeHive Homes Assisted Living in Moorhead, MN.

Mark Otto Forkner was born February 23rd, 1938 to Richard and Joyce Forkner in Langdon, ND. By the time Mark graduated from high school he had already started his music education with years of taking piano lessons and traveling to Grand Forks for organ lessons. He continued his music studies at Concordia College, Moorhead, MN. At that time he also served as choir director at Calvary EUB-UM Church in Fargo. Upon graduation he taught music In Cavalier, ND and then Dilworth, MN. He received his Masters of Arts degree at Northern Colorado University. The rest of his teaching career was spent in Fargo, ND.
He married Kay Ferguson on June, 3rd, 1962 and they had two children, a daughter, Lori and a son, Kent. Mark and Kay celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this summer.

Mark served as organist and choir director at a number of churches and also as the Bible Study Fellowship pianist for many years. His Christian faith was always very important to him which was evidenced through his desire to serve his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and lead others to Him His membership in Gideons International and participation in mission trips to Belize and Nicaragua were part of this desire to serve others and share his faith.

Mark was a creative person and he initiated many household projects including creating a yard that was worthy of being on the garden tour. He and Kay loved hosting people in his home and yard together, and he always had a story and a laugh to share.

Mark is survived by his wife, Kay, his daughter, Lori (Roger) Fredlund (Lino Lakes, MN), his son, Kent (Lisa) Forkner (Hingham, MA), five grandchildren, Kaylea (Siddharth) Menon, Lydia (Mike) Golis, Erica Forkner, Daniel Forkner, and Bennett Forkner, two great grandchildren, Franklin Golis and Eve Golis, his brother, Earl (Rosalee) Forkner, his sister, Susan (Zack) Gill, and numerous nephews and nieces all of whom he loved very much. His sister-in-law, Sharon Ferguson Gunderson, and his nephew, Jeremy Gill, preceded him in death.