Mark Allen Rigstad

Mark Allen Rigstad, born December 5, 1965, died at his home in Hamtramck, Michigan on January 17, 2024. Mark was born to Robert and Anita Rigstad in Roseburg, Oregon and grew up in Woodland Hills, California and Salt Lake City, Utah. Mark attended college at the University of Puget Sound, where he made many life-long friendships, and University of Utah, from which he earned his bachelor's degree in Philosophy. Mark continued his education at The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, where he was awarded a fellowship and earned his master's and doctorate degrees. Mark taught at California Institute of Technology (Caltech), California State University, LA and Dowling College before moving to Michigan in 2002 to accept a faculty position at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan.
Mark's work at Oakland University was exceptional. Mark was the Chair of the University's Department of Philosophy for 9 years, served as a University Senator and was the Director of the University's Center for Ethics. He developed several new programs and courses and led many university committees and special initiatives. Mark was well known for his teaching and mentorship and helped to shape the careers of many of his colleagues and two generations of college students. He taught the history of ethics, political philosophy, philosophy of law, and the philosophy of war and peace. Mark was particularly proud of his role as coach of OU's Ethics Bowl teams. He coached more than a dozen Oakland University teams, who he led to win regional championships and to compete for national titles.
Mark was also known for his innovative research into the ethical dimensions of contemporary political questions about war, terrorism, rebellion, and human rights. Mark's excellent reputation spread beyond the walls of academia and he was frequently interviewed by various media outlets for his perspective on current political and news events.
While Mark's academic and professional career accomplishments were stellar, Mark's character and reputation as a true, loyal, and trusted friend, confidante and mentor outshined them all. Mark's love of his family and friends was paramount in his life. Mark was well known as the person who you could call when you needed advice, a listening and compassionate ear, a helping hand or a good laugh. He often spoke of the values that his parents, Bob and Anita, instilled in him as a child and he lived his life in a way that honored them. Mark was a true renaissance man and had many passions in life; spending time with his beloved life partner, Geaneen, surfing, reading, art, music of all genres, traveling, eating good food and hiking being among them. He was a lover of life and learning and had a zeal for discovering interesting things about the world. Mark's intelligence, wit and genuineness drew people to him. He had a special ability to find a friend in anyone he met and enjoyed talking to everyone. Mark made anyone with whom he engaged in conversation feel heard and important. He loved seeing his family and friends and always made a special effort to be present for them when they needed him. During his many travels, he would always check in with family and friends whenever he was in their area.
Mark is survived by his brother Peter (Marcy) Rigstad, his nephew Ryan and his niece Natalie of Holladay, UT; his beloved life partner Geaneen Arends of Royal Oak, MI and her daughters Alanna and Amanda; his uncle Paul (Barbara) Rigstad of Duluth, MN and their children Jill, Roger and Kay; his uncle John (Nancy) Rigstad of Indianapolis, IN and their daughters Sarah and Elizabeth; his uncle Jim (Marcy) Rigstad of Superior, WI and their children Jeremy, Deana and Amy; and many close and life-long friends and extended family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Anita.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the American Civil Liberties Union (aclu.org).
A Celebration of Life will be held at Aretha's Jazz Café at the Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 350 Madison Street, Detroit, MI on February 17th, 2024 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.