Marcus “Mark” Marjala

Marcus Leroy Marjala “Mark”, 92, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, December 22, 2019.

Mark was a proud, life-long resident of Duluth. Born on November 23, 1927 to Matt and Hilda Marjala. Mark grew up in Gary New Duluth, graduated from Morgan Park High School in 1946, and enrolled in Dunwoody Institute. After Dunwoody, Mark was drafted into the Korean War, where he served as a Radar Technician Trainer. He was an active member of the Sheet Metal Workers Union and retired in 1990.

Mark met Karen Zimm in 1961, and married in 1969.  They were “till death do us part” together through the end. They had one son, Marcus Lee (Mark or Markie). Mark had a great sense of humor and when asked if “Markie” was a Jr., Mark would be quick to say, “No. We have different middle names and I’m better looking.”. The family resided in Congdon Park.

Mark was a loving husband to Karen and was very proud of their son Mark. He loved spending as much time as possible outdoors at the family cabin on Pequaywan Lake--always working on some project. He took pride in fixing something so it would work again and generously helped others with projects they needed done. Mark wasn’t one to sit around much, but if there was a UMD Hockey game on, you’d find him at the game or in front of the set, cheering on his Bulldogs.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents Hilda and Matt, and brother Gordon Marjala.  He is survived by his loving wife, Karen; son, Mark; many nieces and nephews; and several of son Mark’s life-long friends, who have always been considered a part of the family.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Dr. David Arvold of St. Luke’s--an amazing partner in Mark’s care over the years. A big thank you as well to the staff of Diamond Willow of Lester Park, and St. Luke’s In-Home Hospice who have been wonderful to Mark and his family.

Visitation will be at 10:00 on Saturday, December 28, 2019 at The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1325 N 45th Ave E, Duluth, MN. Funeral services begin at 11:00 am.  Interment at Forest Hill Cemetery.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home 218-727-3555