Words cannot express the deep sorrow we feel today as we say goodbye to another great member of our Osseo Lions Club, Lion Mark Sundman.
Lion Mark Sundman; a trusted local businessman, family man, man of God, a friend, an advocate of our local communities, and a friend to the members of the Lions, unexpectedly passed away today.
Lion Mark served our club, and the people and causes we hold dear, with every ounce of himself he had available – faithfully for 20 years – and served as our club President in 2011. During his time with the Lions, Lion Mark would model what it means to be a Lion without even giving it a second thought. He was always giving of his available time, his talents, and his resources when it was possible. And, that unintentional example did not go unnoticed. It was often emulated by existing and new members coming into the club.
From making handmade crafts to use at raffles and other events to help raise funds to volunteering his own time, his business team, and his business equipment to help us clean up after the Roar each year. From stepping up with added donations and sponsorships, to giving an invocation before each general meeting. To helping with other club initiatives like our Steak Fry, Pancake Breakfast, and even rolling up his sleeves to help other members cook at the Ronald McDonald house – just to name a few.
He made himself available to new members when they had questions, showed up to lend his voice at our board meetings, and made us chuckle with his quirky humor. He was known as the Big Wheel guy – mainly because, not only did he take care of that Big Wheel offseason, but because he spent many hours throughout the Roar weekend running that event with the help of one or two other Lion members… and he had a loyal following year-after-year.
But this is just a small piece of who he was and how he lived his life. Lion Mark also kept his mission of giving going outside the club as well – encouraging his friends and family to get involved.
He organized a Salvation Army bell-ringing event at the local Fleet Farm each year where he was often known to play his trumpet while some of us would sing along.
And, when it came to running his several businesses – Lion Mark always lead with his heart there as well; staying grounded in his faith and the love of his family.
During his time as a member of our club, Lion Mark was honored with a Melvin Jones Fellowship for his service to the club and our community, but we believe he would be most proud of the impression and the lasting impact he has made on others to follow in his same mission of giving.
If you’ve had the privilege of meeting and engaging with Lion Mark through our club, his family, or his business, we encourage you to leave your positive messages for his friends and family on our memorial Facebook post for Lion Mark.
And, if you want to pay your respects in person, we invite you to pay your last respects on Tuesday, October 12th at the Salvation Army Noble Worship and Community Center located at 10011 Noble Parkway in Brooklyn Park, MN. The reviewal will be at 1 PM with a service following at 2 PM.