Mark Loock

Our beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend, Mark Henry Loock peacefully, ended his long, courageous journey with ALS and is now walking with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Mark entered this world on June 21, 1967, and took the hand of his Lord on July 8, 2015, dying peacefully in his home under the compassionate care of Hospice, his loving wife Kim, and his precious children Bethany and Nicholas. Mark had recently celebrated, with tremendous joy, his daughter's high school graduation, his son's acquisition of his driver's permit, his 48th birthday, and his 18th Father's Day. Mark was known to many and all as a true gentleman, a man of deep faith, a man of tremendous composure, humility, pride and courage. Turmoil and adversity knew no permanent place in Mark's life as he rarely allowed the trials and road bumps of life to control him or to prevent him from seeking peace within himself and with others. His infectious smile, love for people, and soft-spoken demeanor were such wonderful qualities, lending themselves to lifelong friendships and harmonious relationships with all those he would meet. Mark had a passion for the outdoors which included fishing, bow hunting, playing hockey, tapping into his "inner musician" with the saxophone and guitar, dabbling in scuba diving, exploring unique culinary creations which included one of his favorites, chicken feet, and taking pride in repairing anything and everything. If Mark could not fix it, IT SIMPLY WAS NOT BROKEN.

Mark was born on June 21, 1967, to parents Henry and Mary Ann Loock on Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, AZ. His family, which also included his younger brother/best friend Dennis, moved to Fargo, ND, in 1970 and then to Wahpeton, ND, in 1974, where Mark graduated from Wahpeton High School in 1985. He continued his education at NDSCS in Wahpeton for two years and immediately transferred to NDSU, where he graduated with his bachelor's degree in Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology. With degree in hand, and always sporting a fresh new haircut, Mark was immediately welcomed into the St. Luke's, MeritCare, Sanford Medical Center family and work force in Fargo, where he would enthusiastically continue to work for the next 26 years. Eventually he met his wife Kimberly at his workplace, who likewise shared his love for the clinical laboratory scene. He embraced the challenges and joys of his occupation. His most recent position with Sanford was Manager of the Microbiology/ Molecular Laboratory, a job he passionately loved. He took leave from his position on June 20, 2014, in order to channel his energies toward his continued battle with ALS after being diagnosed in January 2011.

Mark was united in marriage on November 2, 1991, to Kimberly Dufault, daughter of Francis and Joanne, Moorhead. From this blessed union they welcomed their daughter Bethany and son Nicholas. His children were truly the reason for waking up each morning and for every gray hair on his head, which he proudly claimed.

Mark was loved by many, and will be deeply missed by his wife, Kimberly; daughter, Bethany; son, Nicholas; parents, Henry and Mary Ann Loock, Wahpeton; younger brother, Dennis Loock (wife, Sasha and their sons, Tyler and William), Omaha, NE; and maternal grandmother, Helen Shanks, Fargo. Likewise feeling tremendous loss are his extended family, including his four sisters-in law with their spouses; eight nieces and nephews; along with his many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and devoted friends that number the stars. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, August and Katherine Loock; maternal grandfather, Paul Shanks; four uncles, Rudy Loock, Fred Loock, Ernie Achtenberg, and Olaf Gustafson; and an aunt, Anne Loock, all very dear to Mark.

Visitation will be 3 - 4:30 PM, followed by a prayer service and praying of the Rosary at 4:30 PM, Sunday, July 12, 2015, in St. Joseph Catholic Church, 218 - 10th Street South, Moorhead.

The Funeral Mass will be at 11 AM, Monday, July 13, 2015, in St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Memorials encouraged to Hospice of the Red River Valley and ALS Association of Minnesota.