Graveside service will be held at 11:30 AM on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at the Bagley City Cemetery at the family plot with Reverend Darrel Cory Officiating.

Mark Lewis Kays was born April 25, 1952 in Thief River Falls, MN to Marshall "Phil" and Beverly "Bev" (Vik) Kays. He was baptized July 20, 1952 and confirmed October 1, 1967 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. Mark graduated from Lincoln High School in 1970, earned a Diploma of Human Services Assistant from Anoka Tech in 1975, an AA in General Studies from Northland Community College in 1977, and a BS in Community Service from Bemidji State University in 1979.
Mark had a big heart and was given to helping others which, no doubt, drew him to his chosen profession in Human Services. After graduation from college he worked in Crookston MN at Northwest Mental Health and then moved to Jamestown ND where he was the Director of Transitional Living for South Central Human Services. He decided to take a break from human services to pursue his passion in cooking and food service. He attended Moorhead Vo-Tech Institute, training as a chef. Mark enjoyed preparing banquets while working at Canterbury Downs as a Sous-Banquet Chef and then for Minnesota Vikings Food Services as an Assistant Chef and Cook. He returned to Human Services with his desire to once again help others while working at Fraser Community Services and Hammer Residences in the Twin Cities.
Mark enjoyed sports, either playing them or watching them. His skills were honed doing battle with his four "little" brothers playing football or catch in the front yard, a rousing game of driveway hockey or hoops, hitting the golf course, and shagging fly balls on the playground at Northrup Elementary School.
Trips to Duluth MN were a favorite destination for Mark. He loved watching the boats go through the canal, sitting by the lake listening to the waves gently lap at or crash onto the rocks, feeding the seagulls, and skipping stones.
Mark had a great faith and was a member at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Victoria, MN. He enjoyed volunteering at church and stuffing bulletins with the gang. The community within this church meant so much to him. It lifted him up and gave him great joy.
Survivors include brothers: Thomas Kays of Thief River Falls, MN, Scott Kays of Moorhead, MN, Christopher (Carla) Kays of W. Fargo, ND, and David Kays of Chanhassen MN; seven nieces and nephews, Andy (Rochelle) Kays, Lindsay (Tom) Knakmuhs, Brady (Brittany) Kays, Sydney (Brady) Syverson, Christian Kays, Jon Kays (friend Kaitlyn Skalet), Brian Kays (friend Elizabeth Brauer), grand nieces and nephews, Kenadi Kays, Caleb Kays, Cullen Kays, Kali Knakmuhs, Trey Knakmuhs, Brink Syvreson, and aunt, Margaret (Vik) Payne of Hemet, CA.
He's preceded in death by his parents, Phil and Bev Kays; infant sister; sister-in-law Dianne Kays; and, his Grandparents: Marshall and Emma Kays, Lewy and Jeanette Vik, and Step-Grandmother Mildred Vik.
Mark Kays died Saturday, February 6, 2021 at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park MN.
May his memory be blessed.
In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to donors choice.