Mark Fladland

Mark Fladland, age 71, New Effington, passed away Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Avera McKennan in Sioux Falls. Mark fought cancer three times in the past seven years and was a superhero. Cancer never won! He passed away from heart issues.

Funeral Services will be Monday, November 3, at 10:30 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Sisseton with Rev. Pat Schubert and Rev. Josh Knudsen officiating. Organist will be Ollie Yost and vocalist will be Sarah Berry.

The funeral service will be livestreamed on the Grace Lutheran Church Sisseton Facebook page.

Burial will be in the Nidaros Cemetery, Hammer. Urn bearer will be Ron Kohl.

Visitation will be Sunday, November 2, beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a time of sharing at 6:30 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Sisseton. Visitation will continue Monday morning one hour prior to the service at the church.

Mark Alwood was born on November 19, 1953, to Gale and Eloise (Anderson) Fladland in Sisseton. He was raised on the farm and attended school in Hammer, Claire City, and New Effington, graduating in 1972.

Mark farmed, drove truck for various companies, and worked in several businesses in Claire City.  He also owned his own business, Spirit Hill Trucking, and raised cattle with his favorite being Scottish Highlanders.

Mark had a great, sarcastic sense of humor, always had a story to tell (whether true or not), and a smirk on his face. He even played Santa for the area children for several years. Just like his father, Mark had a serious addiction to auction sales. He loved true crime shows, westerns, Andy Griffith, and reading Louis L'Amour books.

Mark met the love of his life, Dianne DeLong, in 1995 and they were married on November 13, 1996, in Sisseton. They raised their five children on the farm near Hammer. Mark dearly loved his family and worked very hard to support them.

Mark is survived by his loving wife, Dianne; children, Zachary Fladland, Bowen Fladland, Dillen (Lori) Rikimoto, Dallas (Amber) Rikimoto, and Alicen (Mary) Fladland; grandchildren, Irik, Freya, Autumn, Dayton, Gabriel, Harper, Kortland, Archie, Evalou, Georgia, Warren, Etta, Sky, and Leo; sisters, Deb (Dave) Siegel, Dawn (Duane) Sattler, Dyann Fladland, and MJ (Blake) Derhak; 10 sisters-in-law and their spouses; many, many nieces and nephews; and last, but not least, his little dog, Larry.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gale and Eloise; in-laws, John and Hazel; brothers-in-law, Roger and Jonathan; nephew, Charlie; and niece, Katy.