Obituary: Mark A. Blackwood

Mark A. Blackwood, 57, of Cloquet passed away unexpectedly Saturday, March 12, 2022, at Cloquet Community Memorial Hospital. He was born Feb. 1, 1965, to Roberta (Dunphy) and Dale Blackwood.

Mark graduated from Cloquet High School in 1983 and joined the U.S. Army, serving his country from 1983 until 1992. He proudly served in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He continued his dedication to his country by being a member of the Cloquet Combined Honor Guard. He was a member of the American Legion and American Veterans in Cloquet.

Mark worked at the Black Bear Casino Resort for 20 years. He made many friends with his "family" there, which he cherished.

Mark was an amazing guy who had a gentle demeanor and a hearty laugh. He always had a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face. He loved taking weekend rides on his Harley, stopping to pick an agate or two. Mark loved to fish and hunt.

He loved spending time with family and loved being an Opa to Nevaeh and Roman, whom he adored. Mark loved nothing more than sitting around a bonfire with a cold beverage, talking with family and friends. Mostly, Mark was a good friend and brother who always cared about others first.

We will miss you Uncle Mark, but we know you are with Mom, Dad, Tim, and your beloved Tiki. Rest easy and thank you for your service.

Mark is preceded in death by his mom and dad, and his brother Tim Blackwood. He is survived by his best friend, Sonya Hanson of Cloquet, and her children, Layne (Emily) and Jessica (Preston), and their children, Neveah and Roman; siblings Terry Kirchhoff of Minneapolis, Steve Blackwood (Mary) of White Bear Lake, and Peter Blackwood (Lynnea) of Moose Lake; nieces and nephews, Erin, Angie, Adam, Kelly, Jerrod, Jamie, Cecilia, Jake and Tyler; great-nephews and great-niece Carter, Savannah, Cooper, Harrison and Mason; and many good friends and extended family.

Visitation: 3 p.m. until the 4 p.m. service Saturday, March 19, at Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet.

Burial will be in late spring at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Saginaw.

Pine Knot News, March 18, 2022