Mark Iverson

 Mark Iverson, 70, of Hitterdal, MN, and formerly of Big Stone City, SD, passed away peacefully at Fairway View Nursing Home in Ortonville, MN, on July 13, 2025.

Visitation and remembrance will begin at 9:30 a.m. and memorial service and burial starting at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 4, 2025, at the Abbey of the Hills in Marvin, SD. 

Mark Richard Iverson was born on April 25, 1955, in Alexandria, MN, to Leslie “Les” Iverson and Margaret "Peg" Tieman. He spent his early years in Alexandria, Milbank, and Big Stone City, SD, and graduated from Ortonville High School in 1973. Shortly after, he proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1973 to 1976, stationed in California and spending time abroad in Okinawa.

Following his military service, he worked as an accountant for a construction company in St. Louis, and later at the Big Stone City Cheese Factory. In July 1979, his passion for helping others led him to counseling at Sky Ranch Boys Camp in Crooks, SD, before pursuing higher education. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Allied Health with a concentration in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Studies, graduating in December 1983. After graduation, Mark served as a counselor at the Anothen Treatment Facility in Ortonville, MN.

He later followed a spiritual calling and spent time as a monk at Blue Cloud Abbey from 1988 to 1992. During that period, he studied theology at St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN, from 1989 to 1991, working toward his master’s degree.

After leaving the abbey, he settled in Clear Lake, SD, where he worked for Thane Wells during lambing season. He married Laura Lackman on June 9, 1995, in Milbank, SD, and welcomed her children, Joe and Kathy, into his family. Mark and Laura then moved to rural Hitterdal, MN, where he worked at Team Industries in Audubon and helped with fall harvests for the Kevin Quick family.

Mark’s passions in life were rooted deeply in connection—with people, with nature, and with purpose. He found great fulfillment in his involvement with AA, where he built lifelong friendships and offered encouragement and support to countless others on their own journeys. Hunting and fishing were more than hobbies for Mark; they were traditions he cherished, especially when shared with his brothers, nephews, son, and close friends. These experiences brought him both peace and purpose, and the memories made on those outings were some of his most treasured.

He is survived by his children: Kathy Ouradnik Knipp of Chicago, IL and Joe Ouradnik (Angela) of Alton, IA; grandchildren: Brady, Connor, Ethan, Madison, Taylor, and Emily; sisters: Joan Reiffenberger of Big Stone City, SD; Betty Reinke of Ortonville, MN; Teri (Anthony) Spors of Big Stone City, SD; brothers: Tom (Barb) Iverson of Big Stone City, SD; and David (Charlene) Iverson of Baltic, SD; sister-in-law, Jane Lackman of Hitterdal, MN; brother-in-law, John (Pauline) Hicks of Milbank, SD; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He will also be remembered by many close friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Laura; parents: Peg and Les; sister, Deb Hicks; brother, Bob Iverson; brothers-in-law: Mel Reinke and Don Reiffenberger; sister-in-law, Eva O’Connor; nephew, Paul “Mitchy” Hicks; and parents-in-law: Paul and Anna Lee Lackman, along with his grandparents.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his compassion, service, and the joy he brought to those around him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Abbey of the Hills Capital Campaign.