Mark Matthew Saari

Mark Matthew Saari, age 75, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2025, at Laurel’s Peak Rehabilitation Center in Mankato, MN with family by his side. After a long summer dealing with a number of health issues, we know he is in a better place and at peace. 

Mark was born to William and Helmi (Pesola) Saari in Mora, MN on August 18, 1949. While the family was living in Pine City at the time they eventually moved to Sleepy Eye, MN, where Mark attended grade school and high school, graduating in 1967. After high school Mark attended Augsburg College in Minneapolis, graduating in 1971 with a degree in English. 

After graduation, Mark’s career in education began in Bird Island, MN, where he taught English/ Language Arts, covered sports for the Bird Island Union, was a Driver’s Ed instructor, and directed plays and musicals. For most of his time in Bird Island, people would come from all over to watch one of his musicals - he loved directing, including all the technical aspects, and, together with a team of gifted educators and friends, produced musicals that rivaled even college theater departments in the area. If asked he would say that “Fiddler on the Roof” was his favorite musical, followed closely by “The Sound of Music.” 

In 1987, he married Deanne Hanke, gaining a daughter, Asha, and later welcoming a son, Matthew, in 1989. Through the years, Mark found joy in attending countless band and choir concerts, sporting events, plays, etc. He loved to support and spend time with his family whenever possible. 

Mark earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from St. Cloud State University in 1991, leading to principal roles in Goodhue and Rush City, MN. He retired in 2009 after 17 years in Rush City. 

In retirement, Mark and Deanne relocated to Mankato, MN in 2022 to be closer to family. He enjoyed traveling, spending time with his children, of whom he was very proud, and loved being Grandpa/Papa to his three grandchildren. They brought him so much joy. 

Mark is survived by his wife of 37 years, Deanne; daughter and son-in-law, Asha and Gabriel Hertler, of Aurora, SD; son and daughter-in-law, Matthew and Jennifer Saari, of Huntsville, AL; and three grandchildren, Adler Hertler, and Katelyn and William Saari. He is also survived by brother and sister-in-law, Dan and Cher Saari of New Ulm, MN, sister-in-law, Donnelle Casler of Dardenne Prairie, MO, along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Deanne’s parents, Dale and Donna Hanke; brother and sister-in-law, Jeff and Dianne Saari; brother-in-law, Lee Hanke and his wife, Sandra Block; and brother-in-law, Joe Casler; as well as 3 half-siblings, William Saari, Jr., Dave Saari and Lois Anderson. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Mankato, MN on Saturday, January 25, at 11 a.m., with visitation one hour before. A lunch will follow the service and burial will be later that day at Home Cemetery in Sleepy Eye. Mankato Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to the Rush City Education Foundation, PO Box 153, Rush City, MN 55069 or to the BOLD Theatre Boosters, c/o Deb Ziller, 304 South 13th Street, Olivia, MN 56277.

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by Northview-North Mankato Mortuary. Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product. Please note, if the live stream does not appear, we are attempting to record and publish the service for later viewing.