Mark Youngdale

Mark Jonathan Youngdale, 59, was surrounded by his loved ones when he passed away on December 4th at his home in Minneapolis after battling cancer for the third time.

Preceded in death by father James. Survived by wife Linda Hoppe; children Maddi, Lan, Qin; mother Marnie; brother Eric (Nancy).

Mark Youngdale was born on December 10th, 1959 in Benson, MN to Margaret "Marnie" Simmons and James "Jim" Youngdale. He graduated from Marshall U in 1978 and continued on to receive a Bachelor’s degree from Bemidji State University and an ESL teaching degree from Hamline University. He began as a Social Worker with East Side Neighborhood Services and then became a teacher in the Minneapolis Public Schools district. He married Linda M. Hoppe on December 19th, 1992 in St. Paul. Together, they adopted three children from China. He was a member of the Minnesota Bonsai Society and the Common Ground Meditation Center. He enjoyed biking, learning about history and spending time in nature. Mark was a beautiful, reflective soul who spread his curiosity and generosity to all of those around him.

Visitation 5:30 PM, Memorial Service 6:00 PM on January 4 at the Common Ground Meditation Center, 2700 E 26th St, Minneapolis.