Mark John Stopyro

Mark John Stopyro, 66, of Zumbro Falls, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2025, at home surrounded by his family. He was born March 28, 1959 to John and Irene Stopyro. Mark was a true Renaissance man who strived for excellence in all that he did. He engaged in a rich variety of hobbies and interests, including fly fishing, smoking his own meat, raising prairie grass, and obtaining a private pilot's license. He also learned how to play the fiddle and played with various music groups in the area. Although he had little experience in construction projects, he took it upon himself to build a beautiful "writer's retreat" cabin on their property for his wife Sam. Although he said he couldn't dance, he admitted that he was a "dancing fool" when he danced with Sam. Mark was also a brilliant man. Pursuing his love of the outdoors, he obtained a master's degree in fisheries biology and began his career as a biologist with the Minnesota DNR. Later, wanting to try something new, he acquired another master's degree in computer science and enjoyed a successful career as an IT specialist at Mayo Clinic. He had a rich and active mind and was able to rattle off the Latin names of the plants in his backyard, explain the importance of the precise tilt of the Earth in its orbit, or tell you exactly how to fix your computer problems. It was in the midst of his outdoorsy pursuits that he met the love of his life, Sam, while paddling on the river. Mark and Sam married in 2018 and enjoyed their years together cooking, paddling a kayak or a canoe, camping, and spending winters with an assortment of faithful friends at their tiny home community in Tucson, Arizona. They also played games, read aloud to one another, and hiked together with their wonderful English shepherd dog, Booker. Mark was dearly loved and he will be deeply missed. Mark is survived by his beloved wife, Sam; siblings Nancy Leon, James Stopyro, Mary McBride (John), EJ Stopyro, Laura Stopyro, and Annie Stopyro; his nieces and nephews; Sam's daughters Angela Lebakken and E. Jannah Ebner; and step – grandchildren Anders and Dominic. Preceding him in death were his parents and his sister, Elizabeth. Sam would like to express her deep gratitude to the staff of Seasons Hospice for their faithful, compassionate care during Mark's illness. A celebration of Mark's life will be held at South Troy Wesleyan Church in Zumbro Falls on Saturday, August 23, 2025, with Rev. Colleen Hoeft officiating. Visitation will be from 10–11 a.m. with a service to follow. Memories and condolences of Mark may be shared at rochestercremationservicesmn.com