Mark Scott Vanderwerf

Mark Vanderwerf, age 67, of Alexandria, died on Friday, May 29, 2026. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2026, 4:00 - 7:00 PM at St. Mary's Catholic Church with a Parish Prayer Service at 4:00 PM. Visitation will continue on Friday, June 5, 2026, 10:00 - 11:00 AM at St. Mary's Church with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at Kinkead Cemetery.

Mark Scott Vanderwerf was born October 2, 1958 to Warren and Delores (Lieske) Vanderwerf in Redwood Falls, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Redwood Falls. Mark attended school in Redwood and graduated from Redwood Falls High School with the class of 1977. After high school, Mark attended college at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree with a double major in Mass Communications and Recreation and Sports Management. 

On June 16, 1984 Mark was united in marriage to Rita Dolan at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Milroy, Minnesota. Together, the couple made their home in Alexandria, Minnesota where they have resided ever since. Mark started his career in broadcasting in Alexandria. He worked as a reporter, news anchor, and news director for a combined twenty-three years on the air at KCMT-TV, KCCO-TV, and KSAX-TV all in Alexandria. When local live news ended in the area, Mark went to work at Cullen’s Home Center where he worked in the builder’s division as an outside sales representative. He worked there for 16 years, retiring in 2021. 

Mark enjoyed sports of all kinds. In his younger years he participated in baseball, basketball, and football. Once married, he played years of softball, racquetball and golf. Following his favorite Minnesota teams -- the Twins, Vikings, Timberwolves, and Gophers, was another favorite pastime of his. Even more than sports, Mark loved God, his family, and friends. Morning prayer/devotional time in the sunroom was part of his daily routine. He enjoyed golfing with his son and many other family members as well as with his college and Alexandria buddies. Some of Mark’s favorite moments were spent with his eight grandchildren: playing cards, vacationing at Big Pine Lake, going to their activities, and making them laugh with his funny songs and stories. 

Mark passed away peacefully on Friday, May 29, 2026 at home surrounded by his entire family. Mark is survived by his wife, Rita of 41 years; children: Tim Vanderwerf (Lacey), Molly Ihnen (Matt), and Laura Vanderwerf; eight grandchildren: Dawson Vanderwerf, Harper Vanderwerf, Sylvie Vanderwerf, Demi Vanderwerf, Lila Ihnen, Mikah Ihnen, Farrah Ihnen, Shay Ihnen; father, Warren Vanderwerf of Redwood Falls; brothers: Doug Vanderwerf and Tom Vanderwerf; and sister, Lori Taube; along with numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews, etc. He is preceded in death by his mother, Delores Vanderwerf.

Blessed Be His Memory. 

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred.