Mark Skogen

Mark Allen Skogen passed away on December 24, 2020 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital after valiantly battling COVID for 58 days. Mark was born to Dorothy (Ludwig) and Vernon Skogen on May 14, 1962. He grew up in Brainerd and graduated from Brainerd High School in 1980. He went to Brainerd Community College and then to St. Scholastica in Duluth where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology and chemistry. In August of 1989, he began working at Widseth Smith Nolting, now known as Widseth, and worked there for the remainder of his life. Mark loved his job and his coworkers. He enjoyed planning and creating sewer and road projects on the computer and then being there in person to see them built. In 2013, he was the sixth person in Minnesota to receive certification as a Certified Public Infrastructure Inspector by the American Public Works Association credentialing program allowing him to inspect the construction of public infrastructure and facilities.

Mark loved his family and friends. He knew what was important in life. His happy-go-lucky spirit and sense of humor made him the best person to be around. His positive attitude was inspiring to others. Mark loved to travel, especially to sunny Mexico and the Caribbean. He loved to golf and enjoyed hitting the links in many US states and countries, including Canada, the Dominican Republic, and many states in Mexico. Mark always knew useless information and quoted lines from movies like nobody’s business and had a line for everything. He loved to make others laugh. Mark enjoyed watching the birds and wildlife that would visit his yard. Random interests include penguins, 80s music, old movies (especially westerns), Cheetos, playing the slots, cars, squirrels, and his cats Josey and Jinx (aka Princess Meow Meow).

Mark’s passing leaves a huge hole in many lives. Left to cherish him and his memories are his significant other Cori Wrobel, daughter Tabitha Salmi (Thomas Galbraith), brothers Rick (Jan) Skogen, Dave (Sheila) Skogen, Paul (Tracey Marchand) Skogen and sister Nancy (Rick) Sweet, grandchildren Abby and Kallie, numerous nieces and nephews and cousins, the Buddy Corp, and tons of friends. Preceding Mark in death were his mother and father and daughter Sheena Johnson.

In the event of his death, Mark wanted everyone to listen to Monty Python’s Always Look on the Bright Side of Life and remember the good times. A private service for immediate family only will be held. It will be available virtually on Thursday, December 31 at 11:00 am and can be viewed at facebook.com/bethlehem.brainerd. An outdoor celebration of life for extended family and friends will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank all the healthcare workers who supported Mark throughout his fight.