Mark Dufault

Mark Dufault, 73, of Argyle, MN, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at North Valley Health Center in Warren, MN.
Mark Joseph was born on January 4, 1951 in Crookston, MN, the son of J. Kenneth and Theresa (Kuznia) Dufault. He was raised in Argyle where he attended St. Rose Catholic School and graduated from Argyle High School. Mark attended the University of Minnesota briefly before graduating from the University of North Dakota. Mark returned home where he farmed with his dad and also went on the harvest brigade with Donny Feuillerat (Mark would later claim it as the best job he ever had). Mark met his future wife, Dallas Barkman, at the Farmer Dell restaurant in Argyle and the two were soon married, on June 7, 1980, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. They settled in Argyle where they were blessed with two daughters, Kelly and Megan. When he stopped farming, Mark worked at the Argyle Cooperative Warehouse as the accountant until 1998 when he became the manager. He worked there until he retired in 2015.
Mark had many hobbies throughout life. When he was younger he enjoyed golfing, fishing and hunting with his best friend, Slim. He also enjoyed cooking, traveling, collecting Hallmark ornaments and reading. He put his cooking talents to use when hosting family and friends on holidays and multiple summer "ribfests" at his house. He enjoyed traveling with Dallas, especially cherishing an annual summer holiday at Victoria Beach, Lake Winnipeg. Mark had an insatiable need to collect Hallmark ornaments which led to a vibrant Christmas tree display that lit up his living room November through January. Although he enjoyed reading many types of books, he had a love of history. This love of history and his great memory for details made him almost unbeatable at trivia games.
Mark's greatest love in life was his family. His retirement in 2015 was to care for and spend additional time with his beautiful wife Dallas (whom he adored). Unfortunately, she passed away a short time later on August 24, 2015. He then filled his extra time, however, with his grandchildren's multiple activities and family gatherings. He couldn't wait for the next game, concert, meet, vacation, or simple weekend to spend time with his grandkids, daughters, and sons-in-law. His love of family was fulfilled with time spent with each of his siblings and in-laws just before his passing.
Mark will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Left to mourn his passing are his two daughters, Kelly (Nick) Tweiten of Fargo, ND and Megan (Trevor) Tompkins of Grafton, ND; three grandchildren, Rylie, Aubrey and Alexis; siblings, Robert (Lana) Dufault, Jim (Susan) Dufault, Mary Niles and Diane (Rick) Kruger; mother-in-law, Norma Barkman; siblings-in-law, Kurt (Eva) Barkman, Andrew (Monique) Barkman and Anne (David) Banman; long time friend, Scott "Slim" Solum and many other extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, J. Kenneth and Theresa; wife, Dallas; father-in-law, Gordon Barkman, and brother-in-law Mark Bittner.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: 10:30 AM on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Argyle, MN.
VISITATION: One hour before services.
INTERMENT: St. Rose Catholic Cemetery, Argyle, MN
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS – Memorials preferred to Argyle HOPE or Argyle Historical Society