Obituary: Mark Edinger

Mark Edinger

Mark David Edinger of Bismarck, formerly of Carrington and Cathay, N.D., passed away peacefully on Monday, Oct. 21 at home after a 9-year cancer journey.

A funeral service was held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 25, at Evangel Church, 3225 N 14th St., Bismarck.

Visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. A prayer service began at 7 p.m. Visitation continued one hour prior to the service.

Burial was held at Fairview Cemetery, Bismarck.

Mark was born April 5, 1963, in Harvey, N.D., to Calvin Edinger and Ruth (Schimke) Edinger. He grew up on the family farm north of Cathay. He graduated from New Rockford High School in 1981 and attended college at Valley City State, graduating in 1985 with a Bachelors Degree in Industrial Technology and a minor in Business Management. In college, he served on the student senate as Vice President and President. Mark worked in the student union game room and eventually as a night manager.

It was during a shift as night manager during freshman orientation at the beginning of his senior year, an incoming freshman would catch Mark's eye. Persistence on his part would pay off, and after a "real" date over thanksgiving weekend, Jill would accept his request to "go steady."

After college graduation, Mark would return to the family farm where he would work alongside his dad for a couple of years, transitioning to become the owner operator of the grain growing operation. Mark worked hard, loved the farm, growing the crops and especially loved harvest.

Mark and Jill Struble were married in Jamestown, N.D., on Feb. 28, 1987, during an epic snowstorm. They were blessed with two children, Marley and Matthew.

The daddy role fit Mark perfectly and he enjoyed fatherhood, helping his children grow into adults who knew the value of hard work and helping others. He led by example with consistency and practicality and a very dry sense of humor.

Mark would make a career change in 1999, going to work for Cannon Technologies (now the Eaton Corporation), where his career would span 25 years. At the end of his career, Mark worked as a manager and he shared that "being a manager at Eaton was my best job. It pushed my abilities, I am connected to a group of guys who challenge me, and I liked that." He was able to work until July of this year and having to say goodbye to his work family was very difficult for Mark.

The family left the farm and moved to Carrington in 2006, where they would live until Mark and Jill moved to Bismarck in December of 2023 due to his declining health.

Mark served on the Wells County Water Resource District, was the assessor for Fairville Township for many years, and was active in the churches he attended, contributing as board member, sound guy, deacon, trustee, youth leader, AWANA commander and Sunday School teacher.

A man who never backed down from a challenge, Mark always found a way to fix, create or get something done. And he knew the value of hard work, a job well done.

Mark enjoyed golfing, downhill skiing, spending time with family and friends, was an avid reader, and a die-hard Packers fan. His greatest joy was time with Eve and Brody, especially when there were shenanigans involved. Summers were made for cruising with Jill in their mustang convertible.

Mark is survived by Jill, his love of the past 40 years. He is also survived by daughter, Marley (Travis) Zachmann; grandchildren, Eve and Brody all of Bismarck; son, Matthew Edinger of Fargo; sisters, Gale (Stan) Sjol and Jane (Curt) Ekren; his nieces and nephews; and Jill's family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Scott; paternal and maternal grandparents; and father-in-law Larry Struble.

To share memories of Mark, view the service livestream, read the full obituary and sign the online guestbook, visit http://www.parkwayfuneral.com.

Arrangements by Eastgate & Parkway Funeral & Cremation Service in Bismarck, N.D.