Mark Andrews III

Mark Andrews III, 75, of Mapleton, North Dakota, peacefully passed away after a brief illness at the Arizona Mayo Clinic on February 19th, 2026, surrounded by his immediate family.

Mark was born on May 10th, 1950, in Fargo, ND to Mark and Mary (Willming) Andrews of Mapleton. Mark attended Clara Barton Elementary and Agassiz Junior High in Fargo, before his family relocated to Chevy Chase, MD - where he attended Leland Junior High while his father served in both chambers of the United States Congress. He returned to the Midwest to attend Shattuck St. Mary's High School in Faribault, MN, and then to college at North Dakota State University where he was a proud member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. After college, Mark served in the National Guard before marrying Susan Ferguson and welcoming their son, Mark IV and daughter, Kathryn.

Mark was a farmer by education and blood and loyally served as the Andrews Farm & Livestock's Farm Manager and Partner for most of his life. Mark was dedicated to the farm, sometimes having to miss Christmas dinners due to a harvest running late into the season. His love of farming would be eventually shared with his son, which made the occasional late night or missed holiday more palatable. Mark III shared a love of farming, hard work, and quiet confidence with Mark IV, while he shared a love of laughter, silliness, and inside jokes with Katie. His children were his most proud achievements, followed closely by the love he had for his grandchildren – Lucille (Luci) and Staton. Of all the hats Mark wore over his long and rich life, the role of "Grandad" was his favorite. After retiring from farm work, he and Sue split their time between Arizona, Mapleton, ND and Detroit Lakes, MN.

Mark's passions were extensive, and he enjoyed golf, hunting, and bridge – in which he achieved Gold Life Master. He was a lifelong learner, a voracious reader, and always up for a current event discussion.

His dry wit and one-liners always made any conversation with him memorable. While many knew Mark as a stoic man of few words, those lucky enough to know him well benefited from the way his eyes would light up whenever his opinion was challenged. He loved a good debate, especially if it became political, as his mastery of those topics was seasoned through experience. Mark was also proud to serve as the Exalted Ruler of Fargo Elks Lodge 260, on the Board of Directors of the Casselton-based Maple River Co-Op, and as a friend of Bill W.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Mark and Mary Andrews; and his parents-in-law, Jim and Paula Ferguson. He is survived by his wife Sue; son Mark Andrews IV; daughter Katie (Aaron) Locke, and grandchildren Luci and Staton Locke. He is also survived by his sisters, Sarah (Doug) Herman of Mapleton, ND and Karen Andrews of Rochester, MN; sisters-in law Jane Ferguson, Ann Ferguson, brother-in-law Jim (Karla) Ferguson; nephews Matt (Poli) Herman, Sam (Mia) Herman, Joe (Kristin) Herman, and Scott (April) Lander, and niece Liz (Kyle) Taylor. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Mark's name to a charity of your choice.