Mark Fuerst, 59, of Wessington Springs, passed away Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at his home with his family by his side, under hospice care.

His funeral service was held Saturday, July 22, at the United Methodist Church in Wessington Springs. Burial followed in the Prospect Hill Cemetery, Wessington Springs. Visitation was held prior to the service on Saturday at the United Methodist Church.

Mark James Fuerst was born Sept. 29, 1963, to Gerald and Susan (Ball) Fuerst in Wessington Springs. He grew up in the Wessington Springs area and graduated from Wessington Springs High School in 1982. On Sept. 6, 2003, Mark married Shelley Brandenburg. 

Mark worked at and managed the grain elevator in Alpena for 32 years, working closely and building lasting relationships with many. He loved raising cattle and teaching the next generations. Mark enjoyed being a dad and grandpa and attending any activity his children or grandchildren participated in.

Mark is survived by his wife, Shelley Fuerst; two daughters, Kandy (Doug Jr.) Flowers and Traci (Ryder) Schweitzer; six grandchildren; two sisters, Julie Williams and Sandy Kopfmann; two sisters-in-law, Leanne (Duane) Kopfmann and Carla (Rick) LeVeque; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Susan Fuerst; his parents-in-law, Mervyn and Betty Brandenburg; one sister in infancy, Geraldine; and one brother-in-law, Lonnie Williams.