Mark Alan Westberg

Mark Alan Westberg, 48, of Brainerd, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family and holding his wife’s hand on Friday, September 4, 2020.  Family and friends are invited to gather from 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Thursday, September 10 at the Nelson – Doran Funeral Home in Brainerd.  There will be a memorial service celebrating Mark’s Life at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 11 at Lutheran Church of the Cross in Nisswa.  Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.   

Mark was born August 15, 1972, in Lincoln, NE, the son of Vernon and Janet (Schmeeckle) Westberg.

He graduated Highschool  from Lincoln SE in 1990 and Graduated from Gustavus Adolphus in 1994 with a BA in Psychology.   He was united in marriage to Tina Theisen on October 6, 2001 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Crosby MN. 

He is remembered by everyone for having a kind and compassionate heart and always willing to listen.  He made people feel special and truly touched the lives of his family and friends.  Mark wanted the best for others, and was a true helper.   His caring nature was evident even as a child.   At the age of 11, he wrote a class paper that stressed the fair treatment of all students.  Wise beyond his years, Mark never lost his compassion for others.

Mark began his career at Central Minnesota Regional Detention Center as an Intern, then worked as a  Correctional  Counselor.  His passion to help led him to Northern Pines Mental Health Center where he worked in Day Treatment as a Mental Health Clinician.   Always having an entrepreneurial spirit,  and love of gaming he and his wife opened Play and Trade, where he was able to share in the lives of so many and continue to mentor and help in the development of others.    After selling PlayNTrade, he returned to his career in mental health as a Mental Health Clinician for Oakridge Homes where he worked with clients in their home.  Wherever his career path led him, he loved developing and facilitating staff training.    

Mark had diverse interests and loved sharing them with others.   Music was his passion.  He played keyboard in the “SKATYRS” band, loved car pool karaoke, and finding new music.   He loved morel mushroom hunting, raising reptiles, gaming, and sharing his interests with others. 

Mark will forever be known for his warm smile, quick wit, sense of humor and infectious laugh.   Mark will be missed by his wife of 19 years, Tina (Theisen); parents, Vern and Jan; siblings  Kristin LaPorta , Kurt and Karl (Stephanie) West berg, his mother-in- law Florianna Theisen, and his sister and brother- in- laws Cindy (Tom) Flatley,  Steve (Paula) Theisen and his nieces and nephews  Sophia, Adam, Josie Laporta; Warren and Everett Westberg;  Steve (Nicole), Brent (Christine), Thomas Flatley, April (Warren) Ellingsworth,  Steve  and Andrew Theisen.   Great nephew and nieces Logan, Lexi and Olivia as well as his Uncles, Aunts, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Milton and Sophie Westberg, Herman and Bertha Schmeeckle, Aunt Doris Schmeeckle, Marilyn Schmeeckle, Al and Lorys Westberg, and father- in- law Stephen Theisen.

Arrangements have been completed by Nelson-Doran Funeral Home, Brainerd. 

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