Mark Allan Means was born to Roy Henry Means and Delores Helen (Huntington) Means on January 22, 1957, in Austin, Minn. His education was received in the Spring Valley School District. Mark graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1975, and went on to attend the Albert Lea Area Vocational Technical Institute, majoring in accounting. After receiving his degree in 1977, Mark started working with the Keehn family, who owned Alpek Sheet Metal and Roofing Company in Rochester, Minn. In 1988, following a company division, Mark became the first team member to be hired with K & S Heating, still a part of the Keehn family. Mark devoted his life and career to K & S Heating for 43 years, retiring January 15, 2021.
Mark’s love for music started at a young age (2), with “Wake Up Little Suzie” being his first favorite song. During Mark’s high school years he was in a rock band, playing bass guitar. He had a love for all types of music, from rock to polka. Mark often shared how fortunate he was to play with his mom, dad and Grams for two years in their polka band at Masonic Park in Spring Valley. “Music is good for one’s soul! It can take you many places without ever leaving your home,” said Mark in his Mayo Clinic (Phoenix) hospital room on March 28, 2021.
Mark resided in Rochester, Minn., from 1977 until February 2021, when he retired to Mesa, Ariz. Mark passed away in his home on April 21, 2021. He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, great-niece and friends.
Mark is survived by his two brothers: Lucien (Carol) Cole of Stewartville, Minn., and Robert Cole of Wykoff, Minn.; nephews and niece Brian (NJ) Cole of Crookston, Minn., Barbara (Troy) Thomley of Glendale, Ariz., and Bradley (Joy) Cole of Mesa, Ariz.; and great-nephews and nieces.
Funeral services will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Spring Valley, Minn., on Thursday, April 29, 2021, at 11 a.m. with visitation from 10-11 a.m. Burial immediately following the service at the Spring Valley Cemetery. Mark has requested that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Mayo Clinic Cancer Research Center or the American Cancer Society.
Condolences may be left at hindtfuneralhomes.com.
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