Mark Donald Hultgren

Mark Donald Hultgren, age 71 of Burnsville passed away peacefully on April 15, 2024, from complications from an infection.  He was surrounded by his family.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Grace Lutheran Church in Albert Lea, MN; Pastor Shane Koepke will officiate.  A visitation will be held on Monday, April 22, 2024, from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Bonnerup Funeral and Cremation Services in Albert Lea, MN along with one hour prior to the service at the church. Private burial to follow.

Mark will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Julie Hultgren; son, Joshua (Erin) Hultgren; daughter, Sara (Tim) Blazek; grandchildren, Diana & Danny Hultgren, and Reese, Theo & Brooks Blazek; mother, Delores Nasby, siblings, Lonny (Ann) Hultgren, Sherri (Ed) Twohey, Deb Osowski (Brian); many other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Lenny Hultgren and stepfather, Vernon Nasby.

Mark grew up the oldest of four children. Sports were his focus throughout high school including football and basketball.  Mark’s mother, Delores, was his greatest fan.  She was known for running along the sideline of the football field in high heel shoes while she cheered on the team.  Her sideline coaching worked, as Mark’s Albert Lea Tigers football team went on to win the state championship in 1970.  Mark was given all conference honors.

After graduating high school, Mark was a very hard worker.  He held many jobs, including working for Hultgren Sanitation, bartender, milk man, and owner of a drywall business.  He met the love of his life, Julie, in 1974 and was married in 1975.  

Together Julie and Mark raised two children, Josh and Sara, in Albert Lea.  Mark was a great father.  He spent time with his children playing and coaching sports.  Mark was a dedicated employee at Bridon Cordage for over 15 years.  During those years he worked long shifts and taught himself about computer technology in his spare time.  Mark studied independently and was able to gain his Microsoft certification in the late 90s.  He then changed careers, working as an instructor for Riverland Community College, teaching others to work toward their Microsoft certification.

Eventually, Mark and Julie moved to Burnsville, MN to be closer to their children, Josh and Sara, and their families.  Mark continued his career in technology, teaching prisoners through the community college system and then working for Spanlink in a technical role.   

Never willing to pay for professional contractors, Mark was a do-it-yourself kind of man.   He shared his knowledge with his adult children, teaching them many skills ranging from changing oil, yard maintenance, and many forms of handyman work from electrical to plumbing.  He spent endless hours helping Josh and Sara finish basements in several homes.  Always selfless, Mark was willing to help others with whatever they needed.

During retirement, Mark’s favorite pastime was watching his grandchildren in their extra-curricular activities.  Mark rarely missed a dance performance, musical performance, or sporting event.   He was the biggest fan of his grandchildren and often berated the referees of the games he attended, especially if they called a foul on one of his beloved athletes.  

Mark will be missed by his entire family, including his wife, children, grandchildren, his mother, siblings, nieces and nephews.  Mark had a knack for making the people in his life feel special, valued, and loved.  He possessed a unique ability to empathize with individuals from all walks of life and spread positivity to everyone he met.