Mark Edward Reitmeier

Published March 11, 2018 at 6:37 PM

Mark Edward Reitmeier, 31 of Bemidji, MN, passed away on February 26, 2018 at his home in Minneapolis, MN. He was born on February 16, 1987 in Bemidji, MN to Timothy Reitmeier and Valerie (Watson) Ras. A memorial celebration of Mark's life will be held at First Baptist Church, 1555 Paul Bunyan Dr. NW, Bemidji, MN 56601 in Bemidji on Saturday, April 7, at 1:00 pm. All are welcome to attend.

Mark grew up in Bemidji where he attended school and was baptized and confirmed as a member of Calvary Lutheran Church. He was a man of many talents; he excelled on the skateboard, played the violin, and although not formally trained in music, he could play the drums and piano by ear and loved to sing and dance. Mark loved to fish and fix things; he would cobble together hoarded parts to make repairs and would create useful items for everyday life. He was involved in Tae Kwon Do in his younger years and was awarded several trophies and ribbons in tournaments. Mark held a passion for people and cared deeply for those in need and would reach out to them by simply starting friendly conversations or making sure the homeless were fed. He volunteered at the homeless shelter in Bemidji in his mid-teens and greatly enjoyed that time; that was his heart. Along with Mark came his crazy and silly sense of humor; he lived for making people laugh and always made sure everyone was having a good time. He worked hard at everything he did and accomplished many good things. Shortly after High School, Mark moved to California for a brief period of time where he pursued his skateboarding a little more seriously. He was actually sponsored and was so proud of that. He then moved to Duluth, MN in 2006 and worked at Customer Link where he met his wife Virginia (Gigi) Hudson. They were married in Duluth on September 25, 2010. Together, their creativity for special occasions were always over the top, enthusiastically thought out and cherished by all. They welcomed three beautiful children into their family: Caden Isaiah (8),Kevin Josiah (6) and Kalise Renee (4). Mark loved his wife and children very much; he prided himself on being a good father and played with his children often as he was a big kid at heart. Mark committed his life to the Lord and was re-baptized at the Vineyard Church, Duluth. He loved the Lord and demonstrated that by wanting to share his faith and encourage others who seemed to be struggling with issues in their lives. Mark moved his family to ND for 8 months while he worked on the oil rig there, he was very proud about that. In 2012, Mark and his family moved back to Bemidji and he worked for the ODC as a job coach and fell in love with the relationships that he had developed there. He was an active AWANA leader for First Baptist Church and was a true role model for the children there who loved him. He attended NWTC where he pursued a career in HVAC/Plumbing. In 2017, Mark and his family moved to Minneapolis, MN where he began working as a facility maintenance manager at The Arrows overseeing over 50 units, putting his fixer-upper abilities to good use. Mark will be remembered for the love he had for his wife and children along with his family and friends. He was a dedicated worker and always wanted to contribute good into the world. He will be sadly missed and was loved by many. Few could hug as this man could, so warm and secure.

Mark is survived by his wife, Virginia Reitmeier, sons Caden and Kevin Reitmeier, daughter Kalise Reitmeier of Minneapolis, MN. Parents Timothy (Sandra) Reitmeier of Wilton, MN and Valerie (Lauren) Ras of Bemidji, MN. Brother Matthew (Nadeana) Reitmeier of Mt. Iron, MN, sister Sarah (Romell) Bennett of Bagley, MN. Step brother Eric Nordlum of Bemidji, step sisters Christa Nordlum of New Brighton, MN, Laura Tenney and Anna (Mike) Nordlum of Bemidji, MN. Special grandparents Judy and Wendell Webster of McIntosh, MN, maternal grandfather Richard Watson of Mahtowa, MN and many aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins. He is preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Charles Reitmeier, paternal grandmother, Doloris Reitmeier and maternal grandmother, Claudette Watson, and cousin, Kevin Reitmeier.