Mark C. Blaess

Tuesday, March 1, 2016 3:33 pm

Mark C. Blaess, 55, of Newburg, Minn., died Friday, Feb. 26, 2016, at his home surrounded by family after a  courageous six-year fight with cancer. Funeral services are at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 2, at the Burr Oak Lutheran Church in Burr Oak. Burial is in the Burr Oak Cemetery. Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 1, and one hour prior to services at the Burr Oak Lutheran Church. Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel is assisting with arrangements.

Mark was born June 7, 1960, in Cresco, to Darold and Arlene (Reinertson) Blaess. He attended the North Winneshiek School. He married Susanne (Sue) Hanson in Decorah March 21, 1981. He worked at Mabel Mill and Elevator and operated Mark’s Welding and Repair in Prosper, Minn. before going to work at Harmony Enterprises (HECO) where he was employed as a welder for 27 years. Mark was a member of the Toot and Whistle Club and the Hesper-Mabel Area Historical Society. He was a devout Allis Chalmers tractor and equipment restorer and collector. Mark was a long-time volunteer at the Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days where he operated the threshing machine and other antique machines. He enjoyed working on his tractors, going to antique tractor shows, going on tractor rides, cruising around on his Allis Chalmers golf cart, camping, and especially spending time with his family and companion dog, Charley.

Mark is survived by his wife Sue of Newburg; five children: Brandon of Newburg, Melissa (Ryan) Abshier of Evansville, Ind., Brett of Newburg, Molly of La Crosse, Wis., and Benjamin of Harmony; a grandson Riley Mark “Little Buddy” Abshier; his parents Darold and Arlene of Canton, Minn.; a brother Michael (Kim) of Decorah; a sister Robin Holstad of  Idaho ; nieces and nephews; Mark had a special place in his heart for Madlen and Rosalie Dressel of Germany, neighbors Dacia Inglett and Dean and Deb Stortz and family; and his dog, Charley.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents.