Mark J. Beckstrand

Mark Beckstrand, 53, passed away on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Visitation with the family present will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in Sioux Falls. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at Embrace Church in Sioux Falls. Burial will take place at Hills of Rest Cemetery in Sioux Falls. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Avera Addiction Care Center, 6140 S. Curae Lane, Sioux Falls, SD 57108.

Mark Jason Beckstrand was born to James and Lois (Star) Beckstrand on September 29, 1971, in Sioux Falls, SD. He attended Lincoln High School, where he excelled at football, basketball, and track before moving on to play football at Augustana College. He held the school record for receptions in a career when graduating in 1994. 

Mark started his teaching career in Flandreau and then moved to Harrisburg, where he taught for 23 years. Mark spent his summers working at Spring Creek Golf Course. He took his passion for golf and became the boy’s golf coach at Harrisburg High School, where he guided his team to a state championship in 2022. 

Mark married Anne Bowar on July 14, 2007 in Sioux Falls, SD. 

Mark is survived by his wife, Anne of Sioux Falls, SD; daughter, Lauren Thompson of Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren, Brinnley and Lincoln Thompson of Sioux Falls, SD; mother, Lois Beckstrand of Sioux Falls, SD; sister Lori (Tom) Titus of York, PA; brothers, Steven (Kim) Beckstrand) of Chambersburg, PA, and Scott (Haley) Beckstrand of Sioux Falls, SD; along with numerous nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his father, James Beckstrand; maternal grandparents Nick and Evelyn Star; paternal grandparents, Harold and Minnie Beckstrand; mother-in-law, Maurine “Billie” Bowar; brother-in-law, Joe Sprenger; and nephew, Kirby Sprenger. 

In honor of Mark’s love of sports, please feel free to dress in casual sports attire.