A Celebration of Life Service to honor the life and legacy of Mark Rossow age 73, of Lakefield, will be held on Tuesday, November 18 at 11:00 AM at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lakefield. Burial will be held at a later date.

A visitation for Mark will be held on Monday, November 17, 2025 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lakefield. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, November 18th at the church for one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorial donations in memory of Mark are preferred to Rhythm of the River.

Mark Warren Rossow was born on July 3, 1952, in Lakefield, Minnesota to Warren and Ione (Teig) Rossow. He graduated from Lakefield High School in 1970, just missing the Vietnam War draft, and went to study farming at Jackson Technical Institute.

Farming was Mark's passion, and John Deere was his brand. From an early age, he loved his hounds - especially Flash - and spent many days fox hunting with his father, uncles, and cousins. Throughout his life, there was always a loyal dog by his side - Cutty Sark, Zed, Quisha, Scooter, Salle, and Fritz were among his faithful companions.

On November 30, 1974, Mark married his childhood sweetheart, Marilyn Erickson. The two had been inseparable since the 7th and 8th grade. They made their home on Mark's grandfathers, Alfred Teig's farm, in Belmont Township, where they were blessed with two children, Tyson and Caleb.

Mark was devoted husband, a loving father, a favorite uncle, and a good friend. He was a successful farmer, building the family business alongside his father and brothers, Kirk and Wade. He took pride in his work, his family, and especially his role as a proud father and adoring grandfather.

In 2018, Mark and Marilyn moved from their farm to Lakefield. Mark continued to take great pride in maintaining his properties, especially the Walters Street home the family fondly called "Mark's Park." Mornings often began with breakfast downtown among his dice-playing buddies at 7 a.m., conversations that frequently carried on at Bannister Repair.

A creative and inventive soul, Mark was always working on a project. He was a true hot-rodder and rock 'n' roller. His favorite musicians included ZZ Top, Bruce Springsteen (whom he saw live many times), B.B. King, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Chuck Berry, and The Strangers - anything with a great beat.

Mark's love of cars began when he was young, assembling model cars and eventually building a beautiful 1937 Studebaker Dictator hot rod- an award winner many times over. He also restored his grandfather Alfred Teig's 1953 Chrysler New Yorker and brought him countless hours of joy. Mark and Marilyn enjoyed traveling to car shows, meeting other enthusiasts, and creating many happy memories on sunny, fun-filled days.

Mark was also known for his legendary Traeger skills - his summer beef filets and pizzas were hard to beat. He loved evenings on the backyard patio, music playing, and the beauty of the gardens he and Marilyn tended together. Date nights and dining out at favorite local spots were weekly highlights.

Family was the heart of Mark's life. The Rossow family treasured their annual trips, especially to the shores of Lake Gitchegumee. The kids loved the ships, and Mark loved relaxing by the water, watching the waves of Lake Superior. They visited many beautiful places across the U.S., but Gulf Shores, Alabama, always held a special place in his heart.

Even after retirement, Mark never missed a season of combining corn. He looked forward to it each year - the long hours, the hard work, and the sense of fulfillment it brought.

Mark will be remembered for his generosity, his creativity, his humor, and his fierce loyalty. He was a protector, a provider, and a man who lived fully and loved deeply. His presense will be missed beyond words.

Mark passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Friday, November 7, 2025 at the Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Mark is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn; children, Tyson Rossow of Minneapolis, Caleb (Hanna) Rossow of Jackson; grandchildren, Julia, Ingrid, Karl, and Greta all of Lakefield, Emma Johansson, of Sweden; sister, Dawn Christopherson of Lakefield; brothers, Kirk (Darla) Rossow, Wade Rossow both of Lakefield; in-laws, Ruth Partain of Daphne, AL, Gloria (Blake) Rossow of Lakefield, Rich (Tammy) Erickson of Lakefield; and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Ione Rossow; father and mother-in-law, Rueben and Rosella Erickson; sister-in-law, June Erickson; brother-in-law, Dan Christopherson and nieces, Megan (Christopherson) Hoisington.

It was a glorious life.