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Mark Richard Nielsen, age 62, went home to be with his Creator on Saturday, October 19, 2024 after a short battle with cancer. He was born on July 31, 1962 in Canoga Park, California to Thomas and Pauline Nielsen. He grew up in California and graduated from Sacramento State University with a degree in Forensic Science. 

He moved to Minnesota to marry the love of his life, Pamela (Pam) and raise his family.

Mark was a friend to all and a devout believer in Jesus Christ. He left a profound impact on everyone he met. He was a loving husband, father, brother, and grandfather. His life was forever changed by the love of Jesus in his early twenties. He met Pam while they were working with the ministry Tentmakers. He spent 30+ years working for the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) where he served in multiple divisions, finishing his final years in the lab as a chemist and retiring in 2021. In retirement, he continued serving by becoming a bus driver for the Forest Lake school district. He then came full circle and returned to his roots working with Tentmakers helping both youth and adults live lives on mission for Jesus.

Mark was an avid fisherman and spent many summer days in Canada with his family fishing. He loved playing hockey as a kid and cheered on his favorite teams and players all his life. He was renowned for his cooking skills, and a highly requested dish from all his kids was his stir fry. It was second to none! His home (which he and his family built themselves, literally) was a welcome place for anyone and everyone. Many of his kids’ friends have fond memories hanging out in the basement or playing in the pool. He loved the Lord deeply and devoted his life to serving others. His legacy was a life of sacrifice and service which he ingrained in his children and grandchildren, who he loved more than life.

Mark is preceded in death by his mother Pauline Ruth Nielsen (Martin), father Thomas Leroy Nielsen and three unborn grandbabies.

Mark is survived by his lovely bride Pamela Dawn Nielsen, his brother Paul Thomas Nielsen; his children, Joshua Abraham (Emily), Danielle Nicole (Jesse Trowbridge), Benjamin Peter (Taylor), Samuel David (Sarah) and grandchildren; Theodore Jesse Trowbridge, Logan Jesse Trowbridge, Esther Jean Trowbridge, Lillian Noelle Nielsen, Matthias Thomas Nielsen, Luke Paul Nielsen, Elena Ruth Nielsen and one more on the way. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Celebration of Life service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, November 14, 2024 at Lakes Free Church, 29620 Olinda Trail, Lindstrom, MN, 55045 with visitation one hour prior to the service.  There will be a luncheon and sharing of memories following the service.

In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial gift to Tentmakers to help continue the legacy of faith Mark desired for the next generation. 

Arrangements by Grandstrand Funeral Home in Lindstrom.  Condolences may be expressed online at www. grandstrandfh.com.

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