Mark E. Cervantes, 69

Mark Cervantes

Blue Earth – Mark E. Cervantes, age 69, of Blue Earth passed away unexpectedly at home on Dec. 22, 2020. A private family service will be held at a later date. Web tributes may be left at www.pattonfh.com.

Mark Ellis was born on Aug. 29, 1951 in Blue Earth to Angel and Anita (Torres) Cervantes. He attended and graduated from Blue Earth High School. On Aug. 29, 1975, Mark married Darlene Kay Matteson in Sioux Falls. Throughout his life, Mark was employed at several places, including Seneca, Elmore Nursery, and Tafco. He also drove the Head Start bus for 27 years. He enjoyed this job most of all, and the kids would call him “Papa Mark.”

Mark enjoyed spending time outdoors, gardening, mowing, and fishing. He also loved all animals, especially dogs, cats, and chickens. Mark was a storyteller and loved to make people laugh. He was kind, loving, and would go out of his way to help others. Mark had a big heart and he will be missed.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Darlene; daughters, Lola (Carl) Petersen, of Huntley, Gina Cervantes, of Winnebago, and Ann Cervantes, of Winnebago; brother, Julian Cervantes, of Texas; sister, Mary Doyle, of Minnesota; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, stepmother, Isabel Olivo, and sister, Kathleen Cervantes.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family are preferred.