Lodge, Mark Robert 70, of Coon Rapids, MN, passed away peacefully on April 11th, surrounded by his family, due to complications of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Born on October 17th, 1952, to Robert and June Lodge in St. Paul, MN, Mark grew up a proud Johnson High School Governor and developed a strong passion for sports early on that would shape the rest of his life. Mark taught history and geography at St. Francis ISD #15 for 36 years. He coached boys high school hockey in addition to Coon Rapids Little League and traveling baseball. He officiated hockey, football, softball and volleyball for the Minnesota State High School League for over 40 years. He was very proud to have officiated over 6,000 hockey games in his lifetime. He played hockey with friends in a recreational league until he was 65 years old. He carried a deep love for history throughout his life. He spent many years collecting and restoring antique outboard motors and was active in the National Antique Outboard Motor Club for decades. Recently, he worked hard on a project archiving the history of Johnson High School Hockey. He also was on the reunion committee for his Johnson High School Class of 1970. Fellow referees and athletes he coached described him as a mentor, leader, friend, and a "class act." Mark will be greatly missed by his wife of 37 years, Tina, his children Matthew, Bjorn, Hans (Casey), and Maren Price (Perry), his granddaughter Sylvia, and his siblings Judy, Gary and Bobby. To honor Mark's memory, we are holding a celebration of life on Monday, May 22nd at the Bunker Hills Activities Center (550 Bunker Lake Blvd NW, Andover, MN 55304) from 5:00 - 8:00 pm. We invite anyone who knew Mark to join as we remember a kind man and his wonderful legacy.

Published on April 16, 2023