Mark Aaron Lazarus

Mark Lazarus, the third child of Mitchel and Edith Lazarus, was born on April 17, 1957, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and passed away on April 14, 2025, in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, after an extended illness. Known affectionately as "Moses" to many who knew him, Mark had two life partners-Sherry Shelltrack and Christina Kemp (deceased).

He was preceded in death by both of his parents, his sister Naomi Barnes, and granddaughter Alexia Shelltrack. He is survived by his two daughters, Olivia Shelltrack and Teresa Kemp; his two brothers, Gary-who lives in Washington state and David-who resides in Germany; along with grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Mark's early childhood was spent in the family home in St. Paul. Together with his siblings and an ever-shifting assortment of neighborhood kids, he spent his days playing, exploring, and starting school. His older brother Gary often led the group, and despite their many shared childhood (mis)adventures, Mark's early years were carefree and happy. His father, though busy with his job as the Associate Director of Planning and Budgeting for the Jewish Federation of Minneapolis, was an avid-if not particularly successful-hobby fisherman. Many of Mark's weekends and family vacations were spent in rented rowboats, patiently waiting for a bite. The family also enjoyed camping trips to northern Minnesota and cross-country "summer vacation" caravans in various family station wagons.

When the family moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, Mark was eight years old. During their three years there, he entered a soapbox derby, building his car with help from his father. Though he didn't win, he was proud of the car and played with it often. When the family moved to Los Angeles, he insisted the car come along-but sadly, it was mistakenly thrown away by trash collectors. Mark was heartbroken.

After a year in Los Angeles, the family relocated to Eugene, Oregon, where Mark had his Bar Mitzvah at age thirteen. A year later, they returned to Minneapolis. Each move meant starting over in a new place, and while these transitions were difficult, Mark faced them with determination and resilience. As a young adult, he worked on a family friend's farm before pursuing trade school. He tried several jobs-including cooking and building maintenance-before finding his calling as a machinist, a profession he practiced proudly until an injury on a hunting trip forced his early retirement.

Mark lived for many years in his own home, which gave him the space to indulge in his many hobbies. An enthusiastic tinkerer, he loved restoring old equipment of all kinds. Visitors often found his home filled with projects-a motorcycle being repaired in the hobby room or a pinball machine awaiting attention in the garage.

Mark had a great sense of humor and a deep love for dogs. He always carried treats to share with any dog he met. One of his favorites was his large, gentle German Shepherd, Hoss, who rarely left his side. Mark loved hunting, camping, and fishing-and unlike his father, seemed to have a special "fishing karma," almost always catching his limit while others went home empty-handed.

He enjoyed simple pleasures: watching Antiques Roadshow, westerns, The Three Stooges, and old black-and-white horror movies. He was outgoing and social, often chatting with everyone in his favorite local bars, and loved going to rock concerts, though he also had a deep appreciation for classical music. Some of his happiest moments were spent grilling in the backyard with family and friends. He was known to ask for oysters at nearly every restaurant he visited-even if he knew they didn't serve them. Mark adored his grandkids, took great pride in his daughters, and always wanted to spend more time with family.

Mark loved all children and was especially devoted to making Halloween magical for his neighborhood. Every year, he created elaborate yard displays filled with lights, skeletons, and spooky decorations that became a local tradition. It was the house everyone looked forward to visiting for trick-or-treating.

In his later years, as his health declined, Mark moved into an apartment, where space was limited but his spirit remained strong. With Teresa's help, he managed to live independently until the end, staying in touch with friends and neighbors. Mark passed quietly in his sleep, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, humor, and love.

He will be deeply missed by his family and friends and fondly remembered for his warmth, generosity, and joyful spirit.

Celebration of life will be Friday October 17th at The Oak Room, Bunker Hills Regional Park 550 Bunker Lake Blvd NW, Andover, MN 55304; from 4:00 - 6:00 PM.

Choice cremation is not involved with services at The Oak Room.