Mark Richmond McDonald of Bismarck, ND, formerly of Thief River Falls, MN passed away on Monday, September 19, 2016 at the age of 53.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, October 1, 2016 at First Baptist Church, Thief River Falls, MN, with Pastor Ben Wattenphul and Pastor Timothy Self officiating. Burial will be held at 12:00 PM on Sunday, October 2, 2016 at the Mohall Cemetery in Mohall, ND.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the memorial service on Saturday at the church.

Mark Richmond McDonald was born on May 13, 1963 in Laramie, WY, the son of James and Donna (Anderson) McDonald. In high school he excelled in track, choir, and academics. He graduated from Mohall High School in 1981.

Following high school Mark attended UND and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Geological Engineering in 1986. He graduated with a Master's of Science from UND in 1994. In 2013 he returned to UND and received his Doctorate Degree in Geophysical Engineering.

On June 25, 1994 Mark was united in marriage to Michelle Stegeman in Grand Forks, ND. The couple made their home in St. Louis, MO. They were blessed with three children: Jenna, Jamie, and Richmond.

Mark spent many of his working years as a civil engineer. After receiving his Doctorate Degree he worked for the North Dakota State Geological Survey as a geologist.

Mark enjoyed gardening, being outdoors, and exercising with his dog, Lucy. He was a lifelong learner and an avid reader. Mark loved to share his knowledge with his children, giving them thorough answers to any of their questions. Mark enjoyed cheering on his children at their extra-curricular activities and watching them grow into successful adults. The highlight of his life was becoming a grandfather to Jameson and Amelia. He will be remembered as an intelligent, thoughtful, caring father and grandfather.

Mark is survived by his children, Jenna (fiancé, Dillon Barry) McDonald of Thief River Falls, MN, Jamie (Noah) Bernier of Bemidji, MN, and Richmond McDonald of Thief River Falls, MN; grandchildren, Jameson Patrick Barry and Amelia Marie Bernier; step-son, Race (Ashley) Rolland of Moorhead, MN; fiancé, Lilia Timchenko of Volgograd, Russia; ex-wife, Michelle McDonald of Thief River Falls, MN; sister, Janice Parker of Plymouth; brother-in-law, Steven Smith of Mohall, ND; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Scott McDonald and his wife, Valerie; sisters, Bonnie Brown and Beth Smith; brother-in-law Tim Parker; and grandparents, Richmond and Ingeborg McDonald.