Mark Wilfahrt

Mark Donald Wilfahrt, born January 6, 1950, in New Ulm, MN, passed away on July 4, 2024, at the age of 74 at his residence in Nisswa, MN. Mark's journey through life was marked by a deep passion for the natural world, a love for storytelling, and a dedication to his hobbies.

Raised in New Ulm, Mark graduated as an eagle from New Ulm High School in 1968. His pursuit of knowledge and personal growth led him to the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, where he earned a degree in Speech and Communications. His career spanned various roles, including work for the railroad, law enforcement, grocery businesses, and resorts in the Brainerd Lakes Area as a security guard. In his retirement, Mark's dedication to wildlife conservation was exemplified through his role as an Aquatic Invasive Species Inspector with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, aligning perfectly with his lifelong passions for hunting and fishing.

Mark’s final days were filled with joy and connection as he celebrated with family and friends at his niece Carly's wedding in Nisswa. Known for his animated storytelling, Mark had an ability to engage and entertain those around him. He cherished his time with children, especially his nieces and nephews, and his love for the outdoors was evident in his frequent visits to his grandparents', and now brother Craig’s cabin on Gull Lake. Aside from New Ulm, the Brainerd area was Mark's home for a majority of his life. He knew every inch of Fritz Loven City Park, Pillsbury State Forest, and the Gull Lake Dam. 

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Florence Wilfahrt, and his nephew, Ryan Wilfahrt. He is survived by his sisters Maybeth (Ed) Sheridan, Julie (Dan) Soehren, and Amy Wilfahrt, his brothers Jim (Dawn) Wilfahrt and Craig (Kristy) Wilfahrt, as well as his nieces and nephews who will dearly miss him Carly (Aidan) Bouman, Connor Wilfahrt, Andrea Soehren, Gabe Soehren, Kate (Shane) Cook, Calaf Wilfahrt, Tim (Meghana) Hemphill, and good neighbor Jess Hafner.

Mark will be remembered for his vibrant conversation, his wit, and his unwavering commitment to the things he loved. His spirit in the sky will live on in the stories he shared and the many lives he touched.

A memorial service to honor Mark's life will be held on August 1st, 2024, at 11:00am at St. Christopher’s Catholic Church in Nisswa. There will be a visitation held one hour prior to the start of the service at the church. All are welcome to join in celebrating his memory and sharing in the stories of his life. A private interment will be held on August 2, 2024 at the Catholic Cemetery in New Ulm. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter.