Mark Lyle Uttermark

Mark Lyle Uttermark, age 88, of New York Mills, Minnesota formerly of Sebeka, died Friday, June 28, 2013 at Elders Home in New York Mills, Minnesota. Mark Lyle Uttermark was born to Fred W. and Amanda (Christianson) Uttermark on October 3, 1924 in Maynard, Minnesota. Mark attended school in Cosmos, Minnesota until the family moved to Sebeka, Minnesota in 1933 where his father, Fred, managed the Victoria Elevator Company in Sebeka. Mark continued his education in the Sebeka School and worked on the family farm until he joined the U.S. Army on June 17, 1944. Mark served with the 60th Armored Infantry Battalion, 9th Armored Division in Germany until the end of World War II in Europe. He earned the Combat Infantry Badge and one Bronze Star and three campaign service stars. Mark returned to the U.S. and was stationed at Fort. McCoy, Wisconsin until he was honorably discharged on June 20, 1946. Mark returned to Sebeka and found employment working in construction installing water and sewer lines in Minnesota and South Dakota and with a local turkey farm. Mark was recalled to active duty with the U.S. Army on September 27, 1950 for the Korean War and sent to Fort Lewis, Washington for a short period of training before being sent to Korea. He served with the 9th Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. He was wounded in action and his unit was overrun by Communist Chinese Army forces on February 14, 1951, and Mark was taken prisoner. He and others where held for a short period of time. As the Chinese were unable to provide proper care for the POWs, a few men were released to make their way back to allied lines. Mark was sent back to Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Denver Colorado for treatment of his wound. Mark was released from active duty on 31 January 1952 with a Permanent Disability Retirement. Mark was awarded the Purple Heart, POW Medal and two campaign service stars. Mark returned to the Sebeka, Minnesota for work. He had previously met Mabel Mae Malmstrom while on leave recovering from his wounds in Sebeka, Minnesota. Mark and Mabel were married September 28, 1952 in Morgan, Minnesota. They have been married for 60 years and blessed with four children. They operated a small dairy farm near Sebeka for several years and Mark worked part time at American Legion Post 456, Sebeka, Minnesota. In the summer of 1959 Mark was hired as the police officer for Sebeka, Minnesota. They sold the farm and moved to Sebeka. He retired as Chief of Police in October 1979 after serving for twenty years. He and Mabel then started Mark's Saw Shop where Mark sharpened saw blades, and sold chain saws. Mark sold the saw sharpening business in 1987. He and Mabel then spent their time traveling, fishing and making and selling arts and crafts for many years. Mark also enjoyed watching football, baseball and playing pinochle and cribbage. Mark was a member of American Legion Post 456, Sebeka and served as Post Commander for several years. He was a member VFW Post 6206 of Menahga, Minnesota, and was a member of Grace Lutheran Church and served on the church board in 1960s and 70s. Mark served the Sebeka community as a member of the Sebeka Fire Dept. for 20 years, Lions Club, local BSA Cub Master, and the Board for the Wadena County Developmental Achievement Center. Mark was a member of the Disabled American Veterans and Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association. From about 1964 until 1975, Mark and Mabel worked for Wadena County and operated a group home for boys in their large house. Over those years they made a big difference in the lives of many boys who came from troubled homes, or were on juvenile probation from county court. Mark is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mabel; sons Mark S. (Faith) Uttermark of Duluth, MN; Myron (Val) Uttermark of Crookston, MN and daughters; Merna (Dale) Malmberg of Walnut Grove, MN; Marsha (Rodney) Vandermay of New York Mills, MN. Grandchildren; Ryan Uttermark, Dustin Uttermark, Corey Uttermark, Randy Vandermay, Jason Vandermay, Katie Carlson, Samuel Malmberg, Amelia Malmberg, Matthew Uttermark and Mallory Uttermark and ten great-grandchildren; brother, Robert (Geneva) Uttermark and sisters, Doris Grant, Mae Uttermark, Ruthie (John) Turcotte and numerous nephews and nieces. Mark is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers and sisters: Oliver Uttermark, Ervin Uttermark, Virgil Uttermark, Betty Johnson, Dottie Fisher, and Fern Dull. Visitation will be held from 5-8 PM Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at the Wevley Funeral Home in Sebeka, MN. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, July 3, 2013 at Grace Lutheran Church in Sebeka, MN with Pastor Mark Hesse officiating. Diane Crabb will serve as organist. Honorary Pallbearers are The Sebeka Fire Department and Law Enforcement Officers. Berg Nylund Post 456, Sebeka, MN will provide Military Honors. Active Casketbearers are his ten grandchildren: Ryan Uttermark, Dustin Uttermark, Corey Uttermark, Samuel Malmberg, Amelia Malmberg, Randy Vandermay, Jason Vandermay, Katie Carlson, Matthew Uttermark and Mallory Uttermark. Interment will be in Sebeka West Cemetery.