Mark LaPointe

Mark G. LaPointe
Age 65, of Cottage Grove Passed away as smooth as glass on Friday, May 10, 2013. Mark will be remembered for his amazing life. He was awarded the bronze star for serving in the U.S. Army in the Vietnam War. Mark celebrated his 38 years of sobriety in February. He was awarded the Governor's Citizen award for his Acts of Kindness in 2000. His active participation in life included founder of the talking circle for juvenile offenders in the Dakota County Juvenile Center in 1998. Along with his wife Kay, The Restorative Justice Practice of Circle Sentencing was established in Washington County in 1998. They received their training in the Yukon Territory in Canada and went on to train others in the Ukraine, Nebraska, Duluth, Department of Corrections, and many other locations. Mark also volunteered with the Washington County Offender Recovery Program. Mark was deeply involved with American Indian tradition. He is a keeper of the Sacred Pipe and was a honor guard for the Medawakantan Wacipi Pow Wow in Mendota. And a duck Hunter. Preceded in death by father, Gerard; brothers, Michael, Thomas, and Peter. Survived by wife, Kay Longtin; children, Shannon LaPointe, and Troy Lind; stepson, Dion (Terry) Longtin; grandsons, Mack and Reece; mother, Berniece; siblings, Nicholas (Sharon), Paul (Betty), Liz (Dale) Thurber, Margaret (Mickey) Hylton, and Ann (Daryl) Reinhardt; sister-in-laws, Kathy, Elaine, and Betty; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation 4-8 PM, Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 80th St. S., Cottage Grove and continues one hour prior to the service, Wednesday. Funeral Service 11 AM, Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at the funeral home. Interment at Cottage Grove Cemetery. Memorials preferred to Washington County Community Circles.