Mark J. Heitkotter

Mr. Mark Jerome Heitkotter, 58, of Grand Forks, ND, passed away at home on November 29.

He was born in South Chicago IL, and was adopted as an infant by Lucy and Jerry Heitkotter.   Mark spent his early years growing up in Plainfield IL, surrounded by his grandparents, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.    The family moved to Granger, Iowa in 1966, and Mark attended Assumption Grade School and graduated in 1980 from Dowling High School.    

After high school, Mark enlisted in the Air Force and served at the Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota.   After his enlistment, he started his career with Rivet Mile as a Power Support Systems Mechanic for the Department of Defense Civil Contractor at the Grand Forks Air Force Base, retiring in 2019.  Mark moonlighted as an umpire for Grand Forks Softball Association for over 25 years, officiating for local, state and national tournaments, and also a gaming associate for DHI for 15 years.  

Mark enjoyed socializing with friends and family, loved spending time at the race track and being involved with softball.  He rarely would be found without friends surrounding him.  He was quick to offer assistance to any situation that arose.  Mark will be missed by many.

Survivors include his sister, Kristin Heitkotter of Los Angeles CA, his brother Marty (Susan) Heitkotter of Abilene, TX; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.   Mark is also survived by his birth mother Rita Harkenrider Prodoehl,  with whom he reconnected in adulthood and established a relationship for the last 25 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lucy and Jerry Heitkotter of Granger, IA.

No services will be held at this time, but celebrations of his life will be planned for in 2021 during the softball season. Memorial contributions may be made to Circle of Friends Humane Society in honor of Mark or Childrens Miracle Network.