Mark Adolph Klemetsrud, one of eight children of Neil and Shirley Jean (Sibley) Klemetsrud, was born Nov. 22, 1951 in Devils Lake. He attended public school in Devils Lake, graduating from high school in 1969. Mark went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts from Dickinson State University in Dickinson, and his Masters of Fine Arts from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Lincoln, Neb.
On July 6, 2001 Mark was united in marriage to Constance Walter in Elk Point, S.D. They made their home in Lincoln until moving to Auburn, Neb. in 2006.
Mark had a deep love for theater, and for acting. He spent his younger years traveling around the United States performing in many different theaters in many different cities. He later specialized in portraying President Theodore Roosevelt in various national parks, and also did special performances as Clarence Darrow.
In 2006 Mark became a professor of speech, drama, and English at Peru State College. He was instrumental in the rejuvenation of the drama department at the college, and was most recently directing a production of "The Glass Menagerie".
Mark was an avid golfer, developing his love for the game at an early age in Devils Lake. He was a recipient of the Dickinson State University Alumni Fellow for Language Arts in 2006, an honor that touched him deeply from an institution he held great pride in. He was also a member of the National Education Association, as well as other organizations throughout his life.
ADVERTISEMENT
Surrounded by family, Mark passed away at his home in Auburn on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at the age of 57 years, 4 months, and 10 days. His father; brother, Kirk; and sister, Jill Leppert preceded him in death.
Mark is survived by his wife Constance Walter of Auburn; children Rachele Walter of Lincoln; Dylan and wife Melody Walter of Peru; Rhea and husband Rick Pruitt of Wilmington, N.C.; Mikael Walter of New York City, N.Y.; grandchildren Constance Anne; Elijah; Abbigaile Irene; Jonathon; Ricky, Jr.; Megan; Robbie; mother Shirley Jean Klemetsrud of Devils Lake; sister Jane Klemets and friend Russ Fredrickson of Birmingham, Ala.; brothers and sisters-in-law Jay and Jeannie of Devils Lake; George and Helen of Cole Harbor; Michael and Kandace of Devils Lake; David and Susan of Camas, Wash.; brother-in-law John Leppert of N.M.; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
A celebration of Mark's life will be held at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Howell Theatre Lobby, Temple Building, 12th and R Streets, Lincoln, NE, on Saturday, April 4, at 2 p.m.
Memorials are suggested to family choice.
