Dick Mork

Pastor Richard Mork, 81, of Blaine, Minnesota passed away on Monday, March 16. Born on December 29, 1944, in Montevideo, Minnesota he was a devoted husband to Barbara Mork (Fjoseide) and a loving father to Andy Mork.

Pastor Mork exemplified integrity, empathy, and encouragement. He spent 35 years in church ministry at Our Savior's Lutheran in Rolla, North Dakota, Trinity Lutheran in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood in Minneapolis, Dennison and Vang Lutheran outside of Northfield, First Lutheran in Columbia Heights, First Lutheran in Harris, and Christ the Servant in Vadnais Heights. He spent 13 as a mission director for the ELCA, helping on the organizational end of starting new ministries and adapting current ones. He was known for his ethical leadership, adaptability, active listening, and encouragement. Despite all his responsibilities in vocational ministry he prioritized family life, his spiritual life, and watching basketball.

He used stories to illustrate his passion for the love of Jesus, loving his neighbors, and the values he learned and lived by. Many people have a "Pastor Mork story" to share a way he left an impact.

He and Barb developed a passion for antiques starting with depression era glass and other dishes. It started with a shared background from rural western Minnesota, and collectibles in shops and estate sales. He loved finding unexpected treasures as well as working in their booth at the antique mall in Anoka.

He was a basketball fan, particularly of the Minnesota Gophers and Timberwolves. He appreciated many different types of music but would sing Johnny Cash with special enthusiasm. Not only was he a deep thinker and reflector, but he encouraged curiosity and never shied away from tough questions. His family still quotes his phrase from when he spent a year as nanny for the youngest grandchild: "Slow down and take a deep breath."

He is survived by his wife, Barbara, siblings Rachel Garbe (Ron), Rod Hofland, Karen Youmans (Ross), and Carla Hofland, son Andy (Beth), and four grandchildren. He will also be missed by many Lutherans from all over the world who have experienced his kindness and generosity.

His memorial service will be Thursday, March 26 at 11 AM at Christ the King Lutheran Church in New Brighton, Minnesota, with visitation starting at 10 AM. Memorials can be made to Christ the King Lutheran Church and Augsburg University. The family finds comfort in Pastor Dick's legacy living on in his family, relationships he fostered, ministries he impacted, and stories told by and about him.