Mark E. Kersting

Mark Edward Kersting, of Rochester, died unexpectedly on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2017, at the age of 59 of a brain aneurysm in his home.

Mark is survived by his parents, Lynne and Florence (Howard) Kersting of Hayward, Calif., his brother, Gary and wife Debbie Kersting of San Leandro, Calif.; his teenage children, Kasey (Wee!) and Hannah (Gah!) Kersting, who live with their mother, Jodie (Hofschulte) Kersting of Kasson; and his nephews, Shawn Kersting and daughter Lauryn of Texas, and Tim (Shannon) Kersting of Hayward; and fiance, Ann Weckop and boys Nathan and Jacob of Hampton, Minn. He is predeceased by grandparents Ollie and Mary Jane Howard, Sanford and Marjorie Kersting.

Mark was born in Santa Cruz, Calif., on Feb. 27, 1957. He graduated from Pacific High in 1975. He was previously employed by Pacific Cartage and Warehouse in California, and since 1996, was employed by Sam's Club in Rochester, where he has made many wonderful friends in more than 20 years of service. Mark said Sam's was the best (part-time turned full-time) job he ever had. On May 18, 1996, he married Jodie, together they made a home in Kasson (later divorced in 2011). On May 8, 2000, and Dec. 1, 2001, respectively, they welcomed their two pride and joys, the most important blessing of their lives.

In September 2016, Mark and Ann were engaged in Las Vegas and planned on making a life together.

Mark was a fun and loving father; he enjoyed spending time with Kasey and Hannah! Together they enjoyed KoMet baseball and softball games and (Mark always had plenty to cheer or comment from the stands), Twins, Honkers, and Ice Hawk games. They would catch the horse races and fireworks as well as spending time at Canvas and Chardonnay and Color Me Mine. Mark enjoyed all sports — baseball/softball (No. 24 in the outfield) and hockey were his favorites. He was an excellent griller, loved coffee, ice cream, nutty bars, M's with P's, roller coasters, crossword puzzles, TV and movies, rock-n-roll music; and on the flip side, was disgusted by cheese!

Mark will be deeply missed by his friends, family, co-workers and pets.

A funeral service is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Kasson. Those attending are encouraged to wear sports apparel with or without teams and logos. School, college, pro, bowling, fishing, anything with a puck, stick, bat or a ball — it's all good. The Rev. Paul Supernaut will officiate. Mark's ashes will later be taken by Jodie, Kasey and Hannah, as well as Ann Weckop and boys Nathan and Jacob, to California and will be joined by his family there to be left at his most favorite place on Earth, The Beach Boardwalk and Wharf in Santa Cruz, Calif.

Flowers, donations and condolences may be offered at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1904 N. Mantorville Ave, Kasson, MN 55944.