Mark G. Uzpen

Mark Uzpen, age 74, of Cottage Grove, peacefully passed away on February 20, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Visitation will be from 4-7 PM on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 80th St. S.; Cottage Grove, MN. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 AM on Friday, March 7, 2025 at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, 8260 4th Street N.; Oakdale, MN with visitation one hour prior to the service. 

Mark was born on June 17, 1950, to Robert and Anna Mae Uzpen in St. Paul, Minnesota. He grew up in the Oakdale area and later settled in Cottage Grove to raise his family. Mark worked for the railroad in his early years before dedicating over 42 years as a bus driver for Metro Transit, retiring in 2014.

Mark enjoyed all kinds of sports, with a particular love for bowling, softball, and golf. When he could no longer play softball to the high standard he set for himself, he took pride in becoming an umpire, staying connected to the game he loved. He was known for his encyclopedic knowledge of sports and an uncanny ability to navigate any route, earning him the title of the family’s human GPS. Mark loved tailgating with family and friends, getaways to Las Vegas, and his truck. He especially cherished road trips with his brother Jon to their favorite places.

More than anything, Mark treasured time with his family. He made it a priority to attend as many of his grandchildren’s events as possible and even cared for the family’s beloved pets. He will be deeply missed for his meaningful conversations, his competitive yet stubborn spirit, and, most of all, his unwavering love for family.

Mark is survived by his wife Theresa Uzpen; children Susan (Russ) Palla, Joseph (Kristina) Uzpen, Sandra (Jerry) Parr, Bobbie Jo (John) McCauley, Kayla (Riley) Lanigan; 17 grandchildren Samantha, Shelby, Erin (Steve), Jackson, Jackie, Monica (Noah), Kennedy, Jerry III, Jennifer (James), Nick (Ashlee), Amanda (Jake), Joseph, Christin, Landri, Sasha, Finnegan, Jameson; 7 great grandchildren Riley, Evan, Ellie, Owen, Gunnar, Morgan, and Griffin; siblings, Jon Uzpen, Matt (Wendy) Uzpen, Cindy Sutton, Lisa Stager, JoAnn Novak; sister-in law Kim Uzpen and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his granddaughter Carly; parents Robert and Anna Mae Uzpen; sister Patricia McGrath; brother Robert Uzpen; sister-in-law Carol Uzpen; brother-in-law Charlie Sutton and nephew Anthony Uzpen.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Rescue Network and the Animal Humane Society-Minnesota.

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