Mark Joseph Pogreba

Mark was born on December 19, 1945, in Staples, MN to Leo and Clara Pogreba. He grew up in the Browerville area. As a child he loved being out in the woods watching wildlife and learning from his family and uncles the ins and outs of hunting, fishing, snaring, and gopher trapping. He went to country school and graduated in 1963 from Staples High School. He served his country in the Vietnam War -United States Army, 1965 to 1967.

Mark moved to the Twin Cities realizing that the farm life was not what he was meant to do. He spent 40 years in the Twin Cities area. He worked many years in the Minneapolis Parking ramps in maintenance. He also drove truck for a silver refining company, visiting hospitals and newspaper businesses in a five-state area collecting silver from old ex-ray films. Everywhere Mark went he made connections with people and these connections lasted years. His love for his family and friends was evident. He would come “up north” frequently for family parties, dances, mud runs, hunting, fishing and to hang out with the guys.

Mark had no children of his own, but he was a father, uncle, and grandpa figure to many children in his life. He had a heart of gold. He was patient, kind and would help a person out in any way he could. Mark always had a smile and was a positive person to be around.

Mark retired in 2009 and that is when he met two young girls riding bike to Turtle Lake swimming as he was headed there with his great-nephew. Their mother Brenda became his “sweetheart” and then wife in June 2011. Mark was home again, living on his uncle’s property, now known as Sylvan Shores. How this new turn in his life brought him so much joy to be able to share stories with Brenda, and her girls about his childhood days growing up here and making new memories with them.

Marks love for the Bible was a big part of who he was. He knew the written words contained in it were “inspired” by God and a book to live by. He also wanted others to come to love and learn what the Bible taught. He became a Jehovah’s Witness in 2013 and he was able to share the Bible’s message with others. He was a faithful and loved member of the Congregation of Jehovah Witnesses, Wadena, MN.

Mark had a terrible accident in November of 2013. His faith, determination and positive attitude helped him recover fully.  In times of distress for himself personally, he would always say, “There is always someone worse off than me.” 

Mark is survived by his wife, Brenda, stepdaughters, Holly Bartlett, of Wadena and Emily Lindberg (Zack Peterson) of Wadena. Five grandchildren Connor, Ava, Emma, Ellie, and Noah. 4 brothers, 6 sisters, many nieces and nephews, and other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Leo and Clara, brothers Anthony, John, Leo, and Rolland.

A memorial service will be held December 11h, 2021 at 3 pm. This will be held virtually via Zoom. Please reach out to his wife or family for connection information.

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