Mark Nicholas Jarvi

Mark Nicholas Jarvi was born in Belle Fourche, SD, on November 14, 1961, to Ray and Kerin (Sturis) Jarvi. Mark passed away peacefully at Monument Hospice House, Rapid City, on January 27, 2024, following a debilitating stroke the previous October. Mark lived the majority of his life in Belle Fourche. His roots on the family farm west of the city as strong and deep as those of the cotton woods growing along the riverbanks. Mark needed the farm, his garden, his wood splitter, the turkeys, and the deer almost as much as he needed oxygen. Many times he moved away briefly, only to return to the Jarvi farm. Mark completed all twelve years of school in Belle, meeting his life-long friend Dean Zimmer at South Park Elementary. In high school, Mark was an amazing athlete competing in wrestling (not so amazing), football as a running back and number 22, and track as a state and AAU champion. As a sprinter, Mark set school records not to be broken for years. Mark's most recent sprint took place on the gravel road in front of the Jarvi house. All his siblings (Melanie in Wranglers and cowboy boots), nieces and nephews of various ages, and Cousin Tony lined up to challenge Mark. Details are fuzzy on who actually won, but Mark's efforts resulted in a pulled hamstring that had him limping for weeks. Mark spent his working days as a land surveyor, heavy construction crew member, and lumberjack allowing him to do physical labor and be outdoors. As a child Mark was known for taking anything mechanical apart, and as he grew older he became very adept at actually putting things back together. Mark was a thrill seeker who had a need for speed, which he found as the driver of brother Mike's dune buggy, on one of his many motorcycles, and most recently on a snowmobile racing through the Black Hills. At the age of 14, Mark had his driver's license for approximately an hour before being escorted home by an officer for speeding. In contrast to his adventurous side, Mark loved gardening and taking care of the large lawn at the home place. He spent many hours tending his vegetables and grooming the yard on the ancient riding mower that frequently needed his mechanical expertise. He was even known for taking a girlfriend for a spin around the pasture on the riding mower to watch the sunset. Mark enjoyed sharing the garden's bounty with neighbors and friends. Mark's biggest blessing was his son Gabe Jarvi. A memorial has been established in Gabe's name to assist with his plans to complete a technical college program. The family appreciates donations made in Gabe's name. Mark was proceeded in death by his parents Ray and Kerin Jarvi. He is survived by sister Melanie (Mike) Pittman, Belle Fourche; brother Mike Jarvi, Belle Fourche, sister Marcia (Brian) Hultman, Pierre; sister Melissa (Doug) Kraft, Belle Fourche; nephew Matthew (Heather) Pittman; nephew Riley Hultman; niece Marissa (Justin) Pittman; niece Treanna Kraft; nephew Brody Hultman; niece Nicole Kraft; niece Birk Kraft; uncles John (Susan) Sturis and Jeff (Robin) Sturis; cousins Tony Sturis, Nick Sturis, Lisa (Bill) Noziska, Jay (Jodi) Jarvi, Scot Jarvi, and Shelley Grand. Services were held on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Kline Funeral Chapel, 838 State Street, Belle Fourche. Friends and family are invited to the Branding Iron Steakhouse on the bar side for lunch and the telling of tall tales following the service. An online guest book is available at klinefuneralchapel.com