Mark Long passed away unexpectedly of natural causes while on a work run in Fraser, Colorado. Born on September 16, 1950, to Geraldine Weisbrod and Arthur W. Reed Long in Clarkfield, Minnesota, Mark's life was a journey of resilience, hard work, and dedication to family.

Baptized in Spring Creek Lutheran Church and later confirmed in Clarkfield Lutheran Church, Mark's early years were spent on the family farm with his sister, Terry, under the care of his grandparents, Sophie and Melville Long, while his father pursued work with Boeing in Seattle. After briefly living in Seattle in 1951, he and Terry returned to Minnesota by train to be raised on their grandparents' farm, attending Clarkfield Elementary School.

In 1967, Mark returned once more to Minnesota, staying with his Aunt Inez and Uncle Ellsworth Anderson, where he finished high school in Clarkfield, graduating in 1968. He soon married Terri L. Shaw, with whom he had three children: Eric, Patrick, and Amy Jo. After their divorce, Mark married Carol (Pelz) Roder in 1995, and together they shared nearly 30 years of companionship and mutual support.

Mark was self-motivated, industrious, and inventive. He worked at AMPI in Dawson and Clarkfield until his retirement, always willing to solve tough problems with creativity. He served his country by joining the National Guard in Dawson, completing basic training at Fort Campbell, KY, and Fort Sill, OK. Mark was also a volunteer member of the Clarkfield Fire Department for many years. His dedication extended to his landscaping and lawn care business, which he maintained in the Clarkfield area until the summer of 2024. Mark and Carol also owned the Long's family restaurant in Clarkfield for 3.5 years. In later years, he began working as an escort for Griess Transport and other companies, and he took joy in driving others to their appointments whenever he could.

Those who knew Mark saw beneath his tough exterior a lovable and kind man. Though life was not always gentle with him, he continued to find reasons to smile—even if it came with a bit of a grumble. He loved his family deeply, and he was devoted to Carol. Through the ups and downs of life, he kept his head high, always determined to move forward. Mark's resilience and quiet strength will be missed by all who knew him.

Mark is survived by his wife, Carol; his sister, Terry Long-Taylor; sister, Kim Williams; half-brother, Kevin Williams; his son, Eric Long; stepchildren, Matt (Jamie) Roder, Missy (Troy) Hoke, and Tony Roder & Gisela; grandsons, Samuel Long and Keegan (Skylar) Martin; step-grandchildren, Tommy and Brea Roder; his aunt, Mary Palma; his great-grandchildren, Motley Martin and Mari Ann Martin; and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Amy Jo; his son, Patrick Long; grandson, Christopher Long; great-grandson, Isaiah Long; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Harold and Margaret Pelz; sister-in-law, Marguerite (Pelz) Altmann; and brother-in-law, John Altmann.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Clarkfield City Hall on Sunday, November 10, 2024, from 2–4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a local animal shelter, the Heart Association, or an organization of your choice.