Mark B. Friestad

Mark B. Friestad, died unexpectedly at his home in rural Minnewaukan on Monday, December 19, 2016. He was 68 years old. Funeral Services for Mark will be held on Thursday, December 29, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake, ND with burial in the Harlow Cemetery, rural Harlow, ND. Mark Brian Friestad was born November 11, 1948 in Maddock, ND to Harold and Guri (Groff) Friestad. He grew up in rural Benson County. He attended the country school, Gallinger No. 1, Brinsmade Public School and graduated from Leeds High School with the class of 1966. He continued his education at UND, graduating with a degree in Geology. Mark was at one time married to Verna Stelmack of Brandon, Manitoba. Mark entered the United States Army on November 5, 1970 and served his country during the Vietnam War. He served in Wiesbaden, Germany and also temporary duty in Crete. He was discharged from active duty on August 28, 1972 but continued with the reserves until November 4, 1976. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Specialist 5. Mark returned home and took over the operation of the family farm. He continued to farm until declining health forced him to retire. Mark’s passion was music; playing guitar and singing for family and also frequently entertaining at local care centers. He was an avid gardener and was always ready for a game of cards with visiting family. Mark was a loving son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle and a good neighbor and dear friend to many. He is survived by his daughters Melissa (Steve) Shaw, Selkirk, Manitoba, Sara Friestad, Calgary, Alberta, twins April Friestad, Brandon, Manitoba and Angela Friestad also of Calgary; son Trevor Friestad, Airdrie, Alberta; five grandsons; brothers Harlan (Srie) Friestad, Houston, TX, David Friestad, Rugby, ND; sisters Lois (Marv) Jemtrud, Larimore, ND, Arlene (Bob) Cable, Esmond, ND, Clarice Matthews and Ellen (Clinton) Huffman all of Minnewaukan, ND; many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Roland Matthews.