Heino, Mark R.

Age 61 of New York Mills, MN and Fargo, ND, passed away on August 10, 2023. Preceded in death by his parents, Jorma “Mickey” & Joyce Heino. Survived by his partner, Colette Erickson; sisters, Barbara (Dennis) Edwards, Merry Jo (Michael) Thompson, and Julie (Darin “Doob”) Welter; nieces and nephews, Jesse (Katie) Edwards, Andy Edwards, Brea (Travis Ehrreich) Welter, Kelsey (Ryan) Hammer, Mackenna (Amber Latham) Thompson, Evan (Alyssa Olson) Welter, and Nicholas Thompson; great-nephews, Cooper Edwards, Brody Hammer, and Maverick Hammer; beloved Frenchies, Joy and Lily; and many relatives and friends.

Mark had a passion for collecting and an eye for the exquisite. He could take anything apart and put it back together in working order. Mark could make a broken clock chime again, a lamp light up again, a watch keep time again, making even the most delicate mechanisms come back to working order. He could restore the broken.

He never had any children but raised several dogs throughout his life – each one just as precious. And he loved his nieces and nephews with all his heart. He gave that unconditionally. Mark was such a big part of their lives in absolutely the most special ways. He never feared taking them when they were little ones with him anywhere. He’d load them at any age into his car for a day trip to his lake lot or bring them along on an antiquing excursion – something he loved and even though small, they always had a blast.

Mark remembered everything. He was like a walking town historian. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of our family and town history. You would think he was telling “stories” he’d made up – that just couldn’t be how it was, but a quick investigation, more than likely backed up what he said.

He was a people person, as we called it – He loved to visit with people and discover what connected them. Mark could be anywhere, and he’d strike up a conversation and come away with a bit more history to remember. He was known throughout the antiquing world and had built so many lifelong friendships that he cherished.

Celebration of Life from 12-3pm on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at the New York Mills Cultural Center, 24 N. Main St., New York Mills, MN 56567. A private interment will be held at St. Peter’s Cemetery in New York Mills.

Donations in Mark’s memory can be made to the American Heart Association (https://www.heart.org/donate) or the Two Rivers Veterinary Hospital that Mark trusted to care for his dearest pups (https://www.tworiversveterinaryhospital.com).