Mark Day

Mark Leslie Charles Day, son of Dale and Carol (Mooney) Day, was born on October 10, 1962. He spent part of his childhood in Idaho before his family settled in Granite Falls, Minnesota, where he grew up surrounded by deep family roots.

From a young age, Mark loved sports, history, and most of all, family. He spoke of his loved ones with great pride, often sharing stories about his remarkable father, an incredibly skilled cabinet maker, and his spunky and spirited mother. He also spoke highly of his four siblings: his sister Connie, who served in the Air Force; Sharie, who had the voice of an angel and was a talented actress; his baby sister Chrissy, with whom he shared a lifelong love of animals; and his younger brother Kevin, who dreamed from childhood of becoming both a police officer and a firefighter. Inspired by his mother, Mark felt a calling to be a caregiver. He followed that calling by working in hospitals and other healthcare facilities, dedicating his life to helping others.

After living in the Brainerd and St. Cloud areas for a time, Mark decided in March of 1991 that he wanted to be closer to home. He moved to Marshall, Minnesota, where his sister Chrissy was living, and began working at REM. It was there that he met the love of his life, Catherine. Not only did Mark fall deeply in love with Cathy, but he also wholeheartedly embraced her two sons, Brian Keith and James Allen, who quickly became his boys, too.

On Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1992, Mark and Cathy vowed to love one another through all of life’s challenges and joys as husband and wife. Together they built a beautiful family. In 1993, they welcomed their daughter, Brittney Rose. Just when they thought their family was complete, God had other plans, and in 1997, their son Cale William joined the clan.

Mark cherished being a father and took immense pride in each of his children and their paths in life. Before chronic pain limited his activities, he could often be found camping, fishing with the boys, or shooting hoops in the driveway. When the weather or his health kept him indoors, he enjoyed watching history documentaries, playing games, or spending time at his computer.

His joy only multiplied as his children found their life partners. Through them, his family expanded by four more children that he proudly claimed as his own, and by some of life’s greatest blessings—his seven grandchildren. While Mark was a proud father, he was an even prouder grandfather, never missing a chance to show off photos of his grandchildren.

Mark and Cathy shared a strong and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. They often listened to the Bible on CD and spent countless hours in deep conversations about Jesus and His teachings. Their life together was never dull; it was filled with love, laughter, meaningful conversations, and a fair share of chaos.

In March of 2025, their lives were forever changed by a six-letter word: cancer. Initially given only weeks, or perhaps a few months, God blessed Mark and his family with nine precious months—some frightening, but all deeply meaningful. During that time, they celebrated Christmas in July, Mark’s baptism, his son James’ baptism, a surprise shared birthday celebration for Mark and Cathy, Thanksgiving, and one final Christmas together.

During his cancer journey, Mark was hospitalized twice and received exceptional care from the second-floor nurses and doctors at Avera Marshall. When Avera Home Hospice entered his life, he spoke highly of his nurse, Jessi; loved watching Letterkenny with his aide, Amber; and enjoyed lively conversations with Chaplain Josh. His family will forever be grateful to those who not only cared for Mark, but who came to care about him during his journey.

Mark entered his eternal life on December 27, 2025, leaving behind a family who will miss him more than words can express.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 33 years, Catherine; his beloved puppy, Stryker; cats Kinky, Stinker, and Sy; his children Brian and Katherina Beals, James and Michelle Beals, Brittney and Jamie Ingram, and Cale Day and fiancée Summer Stark; and his cherished grandchildren Rue Beals, Joey Beals, Emmitt Ingram, Emery Ingram, Ivoriana Ingram, Brooklynn Beals, and Hoodie Beals.

He is also survived by three siblings, Sharie (Hank) Day-Jaskot, Christine Kleven, and Kevin (Theresa “Belinda”) Day; his in-laws Steve Thielke, Barb (Delbert) Engler, and Karen (Mike) Lindquist; sister-in-law Sandy Thielke; and many nieces, nephews, resident K.V., and dear friends.

Those who welcomed Mark at Heaven’s gates include his parents, Dale and Carol Day; his in-laws, Gerald and Helen Thielke; his sister, Connie Jo Schuett; brother-in-law John Thielke; and his maternal and paternal grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

Blessed be his memory.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 23rd, from 5–7 p.m. at Victory Christian Church in Balaton, Minnesota, with a prayer and memorial service to follow at 7 p.m.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, January 24th, at 11 a.m. at Victory Christian Church in Balaton, Minnesota, with a luncheon to follow. Casual dress is suggested as was Mark's wish, colorful shoes if you have them.