Mark Carven Ristinen

Mark Carven Ristinen, age 65 of Menahga, Minn., passed away on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025 at his home in Wolf Lake, Minn. Mark was born April 26, 1959 in Minneapolis, Minn., to Lester and Carol Ristinen.

Mark grew up in Fergus Falls, Minn., where he graduated from high school in 1977. He was active in Boy Scouts where he became an Eagle Scout. Also active in trap shooting, played hockey and was on the schools swimming team. And then later he was a life guard and swimming coach. 

Mark graduated from Moorhead State in Moorhead with a degree in Special Education and History. He taught in Crookston and then in Sebeka. While teaching and after retirement, he raised beef cattle. He was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting and fishing but above all his favorite was duck hunting. Not only in Minnesota but two trips every fall to hunt ducks in North Dakota with his friend David and brother Greg, which also included his dog which was always a Chesapeake Bay Retriever.

Mark is survived by his parents, brother Greg and sister-in-law Lori.

A Celebration of Life and private memorial service for the family will be held in the spring.