Mark Jerome Barsness

June 27, 1950 - June 15, 2012

Mark Jerome Barsness, 61 passed away unexpectedly at his home in Tulsa, OK on June 16, 2012.  Mark was born on June 27, 1950 in Grand Forks, ND, the son of Jerome and Dorothy Barsness. Mark was raised in Grand Forks and graduated from Central High School.  He attended the North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND.  After college, Mark followed his fun-loving, adventurous spirit and traveled across the United States working for a children’s carnival.  He also spent some time working in Alaska.  He then settled down in Texas, working for Mr. Gatti’s Pizza.  While working for Mr. Gatti’s he lived in various cities in Texas, including Victoria, Killeen, Amarillo, and Seguin.  Mark’s dream job came true when he became manager and golf pro of Spring Creek Country Club in Crocket, Tx. He also lived in Louisville, KY and later Springfield, MO.  He was currently employed by Fiesta Mart Convenience Store in Broken Arrow, OK., a suburb of Tulsa. Mark was the proud father of Nicholas, the apple of his eye.  He loved spending time with Nicholas, with their favorite activity being golfing.  Mark was an avid reader, sports fan, and a movie buff.  He swam daily at the local gym, and loved to jet-ski.  He treasured special times he had with his parents, siblings, neices and nephews and friends.  Mark’s  customers and co-workers adored him for his outgoing, friendly personality.  His spirit lit up a room, and he will always be remembered for his great wit, and incredibly kind and  loving spirit.  Mark is survived by his son Nicholas of Beeville, Tx;, his brother Rick (Cheryl), Springfield, MO: and two sisters;  Jan (Dale) Thomforde, Pine Island, MN; and Bonnie (Leon) Popp Crivitz WI.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and grandparents.