Mark Block

Mark David Block of Prior Lake passed away peacefully on April 29, 2023, at the age of 63.  He is preceded in death by David Leidall.  He was cherished and will be sadly missed by his parents June Nordmeier and Richard Block; his partner Kerri Block; his children Aaron, Hannah, and Mike; his siblings Terri, Tracy, Becky and Rick; his six grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and beloved friends.

Hannah wrote this to her dad the day he passed away, and with her permission we share her sentiments.  She captured her dad so well and her words say it all.

“Exactly two weeks ago, you gave our family the scare of our lifetime. At first, things were hopeful and promising, until we got the news your brain had quickly declined. So much sadness filled our hearts as our family and friends came from all over the country to say our last goodbyes to you. I know God had a good reason for taking you away from us all too soon. At 4:20 this morning, you gained your wings. I will always now have you as my winged lion. You will be terribly missed. I promise my boys will always know and remember their grandpa Mark Block. We love you so much dad. I know I will still always feel you with me when I need you. I am happy knowing you aren’t in pain anymore and will always be watching over us. Yeah, I believe them when they say you’re in a better place, you had a wild side, but you had amazing grace. I know you’re way off up in them clouds but if you can still hear me right now, I hope you hit those gold streets on two wheels, I hope your mansion in the sky has a ten-acre field, with some mud and some hubs you can lock in. Make some thunder make ‘em wonder how you got in.  Hide your beer, hide your clear from the man upstairs.  Crank it loud hold it down till I get there, and when I do I hope you got some new stories to tell. I’ll see you again but till then give heaven some hell.  I love you dad.”

Becky shares her brother in this way:

“Mark was a wild, crazy and fun brother who terrorized all of his siblings as passengers on anything that had a motor; motorcycles, snowmobiles, boats...  And although terrified as passengers of his insane driving tendencies, we loved every moment of it and have memories we will talk and laugh about for the rest of our lives.  He taught us all how to live a little edgy and adventurous.  Thanks, dear brother! We will miss you until we meet again.  Give heaven some hell!”

Mark was cherished by many.  He lived a sporadic, exciting, and memorable life.  Everyone who had the honor of his presence was gifted with great memories that will live on forever.  May we all feel his warmth to the start of an engine, embrace his hugs when the wind wraps around us, and smile when we hear tires burning rubber.

A Celebration of Mark’s life will be held on Saturday, July 15, 2023, from 1:00 – 3:00 pm at Bradshaw (4600 Greenhaven Drive in White Bear). Come and share your favorite memories and stories. We also invite you to bring any memorabilia or a favorite photo you have of Mark to put on display during the event.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Ronald McDonald House in Mark’s memory.  https://rmhc.org/donate