Obituary: Mark Prachar

Mark Prachar, 67, of Sturgeon Lake and formerly of Esko, died peacefully on Aug. 20, 2024, in Essentia St. Mary's in Duluth. He was born on March 6, 1957, in Duluth to Marvin and May Prachar. Mark grew up in Esko, graduating from Esko High School in 1975. He attended Hibbing Vo-Tech and attained a diesel mechanic degree in 1976. Mark lived in Esko and worked for Upper Lakes Foods and later Halvor Lines, where he loved his job as an over-the-road truck driver for over 20 years until retiring for health reasons. In 2008, Mark married Roseann Girolamo Walters in Cloquet. In 2017, Mark and Roseann moved to Sun Bay in Sturgeon Lake.

Mark had a great passion for motorcycles and cars. In 1979, Mark founded Lane Changers and loved to brag that this group was the largest motorcycle club in Esko. He currently was "Prez" and loved to organize trips for the group. Mark made trips to Sturgis and in 2023 he got to go on the ride of a lifetime with Joe, Michael, and Max to Tail of the Dragon in Tennessee and North Carolina. He was also a member of the American Motorcycle Association. If Mark wasn't talking about motorcycles, he was wheeling and dealing for the car he "always wanted." He was always searching for a good deal and loved to buy and sell vehicles. Mark had a great love for his Lincoln. He even drove cars for Hibbing Chrysler and later Ultimate Dealership Auctions in Sturgeon Lake. He also loved snow plowing and had a route of regulars to keep him busy. Mark never sat still and would either be tinkering in his garage or finding the next person to socialize with so he could tell them stories. Mark played guitar and was a proud member of the May Prachar Polka Band. One of Mark's greatest achievements - which he was very proud to share - was that he was sober for 22 years. He became close to several friends whom he mentored and helped with their sobriety.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and May Prachar.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Roseann; his children, Joe (Joanna) Prachar, Jamie (Neil) Rossing, Michael (Sandra) Walters, and Jeremy (Jaime) Kroll; grandchildren, Autumn Prachar, Allie Prachar, Levi (Kayla) Rossing, Blake Rossing, Bella Walters, Max Walters and Olivia Walters; sister, Marie (Esa) Ojala; brothers, Marty (Carleen) Prachar and Mike (Debbie) Prachar; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be from 9 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Celebration of Life on Saturday, Sept. 7, at Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home. Lunch will follow at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Moose Lake.

Pine Knot News, Sept. 6, 2024