Mark was a force of nature going all the way back to high school at Cathedral. He was an incredible leader and friend to anyone blessed to know him. Whether playing “Hodge” in the lead role in “Kismet”, acting as president of the student council or lifting the spirits of those he met, Mark was a leader for the ages. This is exactly what he did for the next 55 years of his life impacting lives in the St. Cloud community both professionally and personally. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy lives on.
Mark K. Sakry
October 29, 1952 – May 3, 2026
It is with the fondness of great memories that the family of Mark Keith Sakry announces his passing at the age of 73 on Sunday morning, May 3, 2026 with family by his side. Mark blessed all of our lives with kindness, compassion, and his vibrant nature. He cared deeply for his family, friends, and community. In his loving acts of service, he was a warrior for Christ and he made the world a better place.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in St. Cloud. Reverend Derek Wiechmann will officiate. Burial of the urn will be held privately with family at St. Joseph’s Parish Cemetery in Waite Park.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday at the Daniel Funeral Home in St. Cloud and one hour prior to Services on Tuesday at the Church. A time of sharing will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.
Mark was born October 29, 1952 in St. Cloud, Minnesota to Maynard & Evelyn (Lemm) Sakry. He married Diane Mae Rogde on September 27, 1980 in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Waite Park. Survivors include his loving wife Diane; daughter Dionne (Curtis) Allan; son Brent; granddaughter, Summer Allan; & grandson, Noah Allan. He is also survived by his brothers Richard (Lynn), Denny, Tom, & his sister Joan McLaughlin along with his sisters-in-law Jean & Jan Sakry, & many loving nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his wife’s loving Rogde family. He was preceded in death by his brothers Dean & Phil, along with his sisters-in-law Mary Jo & Sandy Sakry & his brother-in-law Mick McLaughlin.
Mark loved his time at Cathedral High School where he was the student body president and graduated with honors in 1971. He also graduated cum laude from St. John’s University in 1978 with a BA Degree in Government and Sociology. He served as Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota from 1979-1984 and again from 1993-2018. In addition to his work at the Club, Mark served in an elected capacity as a Stearns County Commissioner for 22 years from 1989 to 2010 and prior to that as a District 742 School Board member for 3 years. Mark served as Recreation Superintendent for the City of St. Cloud from 1984-1991. In 2010 Mark was voted by his peers as one of St. Cloud’s top three most influential people.
Mark was instrumental in raising over 10 million dollars to build three new Boys & Girls Clubs in St. Cloud in less than 15 years. He was named Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 2010 Executive of the Year- Midwest Region, and recipient of the prestigious
Heart and Soul Award from Boys & Girls Clubs of America in 2015. Mark was known in Central Minnesota for community networking and collaborative programs. He served on many local boards and committees, including serving for decades on the steering committee for Create CommUNITY, a group whose mission is to dismantle racism through systemic change.
Mark is known as the founder of Quarry Park. He authored the book, “Quarry Quest-The History of Stearns County Quarry Park and Nature Preserve.” Mark was the 2001 recipient of Sertoma Club’s “Service to Mankind District Award” because of his many contributions to the Boys & Girls Club movement, along with his service on the United Way board of directors, the Stearns Benton Employment & Training Council, Partner for Student Success; and the Stearns County Parks Commission.
Mark cherished his whole family and he treasured time with his grandchildren. He loved family trips up north, trips to the Colorado mountains, and Glacier National Park. He loved the Beatles, especially Paul McCartney. He was in many musicals, singing groups, and he was an extraordinary singer and speaker. He was a master with the microphone. He had a wonderful sense of humor, a joyful spirit, and he always saw the good in others. He was the life of the party, always leaving a smile and laughter with those around him. He found one moment in nature every day to say, “My God, it’s good to be alive!” His beautiful spirit will live on through his family and friends. He has left a legacy and he will remain in our hearts forever.
A special thanks to the comforting care of Country Manor and Moments Hospice who took wonderful care of him during his time with Parkinson’s. In Mark’s honor, memorial donations can be made to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota to continue Mark’s legacy. A walk through Quarry Park and Nature Preserve would also bring Mark great joy.
Guestbook
Mark and I go way back just like so many others. He tried to recruit me to work on Rick Nolan’s campaign back in the 70’s but I decided to run for State Senate instead. Later I enjoyed poker games at Jim Graeve’s where Mark was in attendance. I was always delighted when he was there. He did his usual by entertaining everyone with his humor and uniquely making all of us feel good about ourselves. Over poker he worked me pretty hard to run for County Commissioner but I disappointed him again. He clearly made the world a better place. Patrick Flanders
I had the privilege of working with Mark at the Boys & Girls Club. He was kind, optimistic, professional and had a great sense of humor! So many children from this community were helped because of his efforts. I will miss his wonderful personality:) My thoughts and prayers go out to Diane and his beautiful family.
Sad to hear of Mark’s passing! Always thought highly of Mark. He was kind and generous. He offered me space for an office when I was field director of Camp Fire in the 80’s. May he rest in peace!
Mark will be deeply missed by the community, family and friends he loved so much!
Whenever I would run into cousin Mark out and about, I remember how excited he was to see me or me and my family! That huge smile that lit up your heart the moment he recognized you and jaunted over to say hello! I remember visiting him, Diane, DD and Brent when I was a kid and always felt such a sense of warmth and joy when I visited.
Fast forward several years and he presented my then 7 year old daughter an award for her artwork that was displayed through The Boys and Girls Club at the Crossroads mall. Such a precious moment and he made her feel so proud!
Mark will be so missed, but his precious legacy will live on in all of us who’s life he touched.
Diane, DD and Brent, you have my deepest condolences. Sending you hugs and love.
Natalie Spiczka and family
I was saddened today to learn that Mark Sakry passed away. I have very vivid memories of him chairing Partners in Hope meetings at the Boys and Girls Club. I recall a special picture of him holding and kissing his brand new grandbaby.
I have very fond professional memories of him and all that he did for our group decades ago, for the community and others in general. A \”shiny man\” with a ready grin, vast connections, and a perpetual willingness to come from the heart and lead with great success!!
A unique and special person in unending service to others living from a very big heart. His connections and talents were used to the fullest extent. The community will always be better because of him!
Rest in peace, Mark.
Mark hired me in 1981 to work in the St. Cloud boys and girls club, as part of a class requirement at St. Cloud State University. Had a wonderful experience working there with Mark and staff. I learned a lot from Mark. He left an indelible impression on me as a man of compassion and intelligence. Rest in peace, Mark.
Mark was a charismatic guy who accomplished many great things in his musical and acting talent, his professional work, his community involvement, and his engaging smile and spirit. From grade school on you could tell he was someone special to many people. Rest in peace dear Mark and much comfort to his family that he was so loved and respected.
I had the pleasure of knowing Mark through out our grade school and high school years. After reading all of the memories and tributes on our high school thread, I have come to realize how loved and cherished he was. He shared his gifts of kindness, humor, musical talents and love with everyone. God bless his family.
Mark was truly loved by many! Cathedral class of 71 was blessed to have him.
Life well lived! RIP Mark
Services
Schedule Details
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in St. Cloud. Reverend Derek Wiechmann will officiate. Burial of the urn will be held privately with family at St. Joseph’s Parish Cemetery in Waite Park.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday at the Daniel Funeral Home in St. Cloud and one hour prior to Services on Tuesday at the Church. A time of sharing will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.