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Mark Dufrene Obituary

On February 16, 2024, Mark Mathew Dufrene, a beloved son, devoted husband, and incredible father of three daughters, entered into eternal rest at the age of 56. He was born and raised in New Orleans, LA until he moved to Baton Rouge and earned his Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree from Louisiana State University. For the last 14 years, he, his wife and youngest daughter called Shreveport, LA home. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and devoted wife of 37 years, Frances Todaro Dufrene; daughters, Brittany Elizabeth Dufrene Prufer (Hendrik Prufer, Clara Margarete, Ana Elisabeth, Theo Matthew Wolf ); Sarah Elizabeth Dufrene Nelms (Mikey Nelms, Margaret Rose, Scarlett James), and Audrey Clara Elizabeth Dufrene; devoted and loving parents Johnny and Trudy Dufrene, and sister Monique Dufrene Hardy (TJ Hardy, Victoria Hardy), and brothers and sisters in law, Virginia Sanderson (Terry), Vincent J. Todaro, Jr, Ruth Todaro, Charles Todaro, Sr. (Felicia), Margaret Zimmerman (Ricky) and Monica Jordan, countless nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, who he absolutely adored, along with many more family members and friends. Mark was preceded in death by his grandparents, John "Tommy" Bye and Ruth Bye and Ashton and Celestine Dufrene; in-laws, Vincent Todaro, Sr. and Clara Todaro; sister-in-law, Mary Jo Todaro; and brother-in-law, Jake Hunter. With a passion for sales and a love for people, he climbed the ranks in his career in the industrial pump industry. Mark's vivacious personality allowed him to create personal relationships with everyone he met and left an everlasting impact on them with his sincerity and authenticity. Mark loved mentoring younger coworkers and he gave all of himself to his work. He cherished his colleagues at DXP and Voigt-Abernathy; many were lifelong friends. No matter if he was traveling, coaching, sitting around his outdoor fireplace, or going on evening walks around the neighborhood, Mark was the epitome of a family man and was happiest spending time with his wife, three daughters, son-in-laws, and his five grandchildren. He never missed an opportunity to crack a joke and he was the life of the party. Mark was a compassionate man with a huge heart. If you had the opportunity to meet Mark, not only did he make you laugh, but you walked away with a friend. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was even happier when his LSU Tigers were winning and never missed an opportunity to chant "Geaux Tigahs Baby"! The family would especially like to thank Larry and Joyce Amedee, Greg and Anne Burcz, Stephen and Mary Catherine Kneip, Chuck and Alyce Labanics, Daly and Cindy McGowan, and Chris and Anita Hannie for their deep love and long-lasting friendships. He was blessed to have you in his life! The family has requested that in lieu of flowers donations be sent to Louisiana State University Tiger Athletic Foundation or the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline https://988lifeline.org/donate/. Visitation will be held at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Hwy. Baton Rouge, LA 70816, on Friday, February 23, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 445 Marquette Avenue, on Saturday, February 24, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory. The family of Mark Mathew Dufrene request family and friends to leave their favorite memory of Mark on the online guestbook .at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Advocate from Feb. 20 to Feb. 22, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Mark Dufrene

Not sure what to say?





James Webster

February 13, 2026

Miss you Mark worked with him at DXP.
James Webster

Marco Silva

February 26, 2024

My deepest condolences. Wishing you strength and comfort in this trying time.

Single Memorial Tree

Reagan and Jordan

Planted Trees

Teresa Carter

February 23, 2024

Frances and family, we are rocked to the core with the news of Mark´s passing. You're being prayed for and loved from afar. We moved to Dallas to be near kids. We pray for peace for you. Much love...

Tim Teetrick

February 23, 2024

My condolences to the family . I worked with Mark at the bp plant alot. Tim Teetrick

Dianne and Blane Babin

February 23, 2024

So very sorry to hear this news. Many great memories of our time spent together playing and traveling with our kids for AAU basketball with the Red Stick Rockets.
Praying that God comforts all of you during this difficult time.

Single Memorial Tree

Chiguila's Family

Planted Trees

Mario Chiguila

February 23, 2024

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

David Benton

February 23, 2024

Mark was a great friend and colleague. We worked together at SEPCO/DXP, then we worked together at Voight Abernathy. In the early 90s Mark was my inspiration for moving into outside sales. Mark was always strong and confident. In the late 90's we had a crazy idea to start a goat farm. We drove to Texas and picked up our goat herd. 120 goats! Many funny goat farm stories to tell. Mark was a great friend and business man. I will miss him very much.

We send our condolences and prayer to the Dufrene family.

David and Ashlie Benton

Jordan (Kent) Thibodeaux

February 23, 2024

Jordan (Kent) Thibodeaux

February 23, 2024

Jordan (Kent) Thibodeaux

February 23, 2024

Jordan (Kent) Thibodeaux

February 23, 2024

It´s been quite some time since I´ve had the opportunity to see Mr. Mark. But years ago, he made such an incredible impact on my life when I was a young girl...for that matter, he made a great impact on many of our lives. I was extremely lucky to have such an influential man as a coach. Little did I know at the time, the lessons he was teaching me on the court, I would later on carry into my career, marriage and as I entered motherhood.

What a personality he had. He could make you smile instantaneously or make you a little scared with just one look... you know the look a dad will give his daughter. One of my favorite memories with him was when he fussed at our team for talking during practice and told us to run sprints. We continued to giggle at him while we ran and he just shook his head and couldn´t help but crack a smile and laugh too. Little did he know, we knew as tough as he may have seemed, he was a big softy. I will always cherish our time together and the role model he played for so many of us.

My heart goes out to the Dufrene family. My family and I have always loved them and enjoyed their friendship during our years at Mercy. Praying for peace and comfort to Mrs. Frances, Sarah, Brittany and Audrey. We love you, all.

Thank you Coach Mark, until we meet again. You will certainly be missed.

Dana Harrison-Lee

February 22, 2024

Mark my Big Brother from another Daddy! My Cardinal Dr. Daddy Mr. Johnny,
This is Dana your neighbor,Monique I´m praying for you sis! Momma Trudy and daddy Johnny I Love y´all!

Jenny orgeron

February 21, 2024

So sorry for ya'll loss.This is Jenny orgeron.uncle dookies daughter.

Pamela Tullier

February 21, 2024

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

David L. Pugh

February 21, 2024

I'm sorry to hear of your loss of a good man. Never met a stranger and always had people around him smiling with his charm. Laughing, joking just a fun loving guy!

Darlene Marmottin

February 20, 2024

My fondest memories of Mark are of him as a small child running around Grandpa and Grandma Bye´s house. He was always busy and into everything.

He grew up and had a beautiful family. My condolences to his wife Franny, daughters Brittany, Sarah and Audrey...mother and father...Aunt Trudy and Uncle Johnny...sister Monique...and all of his grandchildren and other family members.

He will be missed!

Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results

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Memorial Events
for Mark Dufrene

Feb

23

Visitation

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Resthaven Gardens of Memory & Funeral Home

11817 Jefferson Hwy., Baton Rouge, LA 70816

Feb

24

Visitation

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church

445 Marquette Ave, Baton Rouge, LA 70806

Feb

24

Service

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church

445 Marquette Ave, Baton Rouge, LA 70806

Funeral services provided by:

Resthaven Gardens of Memory & Funeral Home - Baton Rouge

11817 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70816

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