Mark Allan Alberg was born into God’s creation to parents Theodore and Shirley (Vojacek) Alberg October 7, 1961 in Hibbing, MN. He died peacefully in his sleep January 1, 2017 at his home in Savage, MT at the age of 55. A spitting image of his father, he spent his youth in the Iron Range as most kids do, playing hockey, riding snow machine, and ALMOST staying out of trouble. Mark graduated from Hibbing High School in Hibbing, MN with the class of 1980.

Even at an early age Mark possessed a desire for the open road. He began his trucking career at the tender age of 18, hauling produce from Minneapolis to Hibbing. After relocating to eastern Montana in the early 80s, he would briefly halt his 18-wheeler career to help out on the farm where his sister lived. Mark quickly made many friends in the area as his outgoing character was impossible to dislike. Luckily, he was able to scratch his trucking itch by moving cattle and hauling beets for Transystems. Eventually, Mark would take up residence in Miles City, MT, where he would be embraced and loved by an entire second family of people. He would spend the next few years seeing the country as he always wanted. Mark’s ability to remember the highways and byways were amazing. Even years later, he seemed to remember every load, where it went, and the roads he took. In time, Mark would hang up his truckin’ boots and try his hand at operating heavy equipment, namely, running a pay loader. Proving to be a perfect fit, he served as operator for Nelcon Inc., Transystems, and most recently loading coal at the Westmorland Mine in Savage, MT.

Mark had an incredible passion for sports, always keeping close tabs on the Twins, the Golden Gophers, and the Wild. Everything from NASCAR to professional bowling, he loved it all. Hockey was naturally near the top of his favorites and you could always notice a boost in his spirit when the Stanley Cup playoffs began. He even kept up on the local teams in the Hibbing area, as he figured out how to stream the State Hockey Tournament on the internet. And of course, Mark was a lifelong loyal fan of the Minnesota Vikings. There was never a greater form of entertainment than listening to his colorful commentary on the constant struggles of the Purple Power. “Well, they’re close to the red zone, just send in the kicker!!” he would regularly shout at the TV.

Above all, Mark will be remembered for his true gift of compassion and caring for others. He would never hesitate to help somebody, even if it meant going out of his way (or interrupting his naptime). Whether it meant working an extra shift, trekking across the country, or simply “being there” for conversation and company, Mark would always come through. His big heartedness did not stop at humans either, as it was not uncommon to see, and HEAR him loving up to all the farm animals, often times calling them by name. One thing was certain; you always knew when he was in the area! A beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, Mark will be missed by all who knew him.

Mark is survived by his mother Shirley Alberg and stepfather Jim Fena, of Sterling, AK and Florence, AZ; sister Deborah (Daniel) Rice, nephew Daniel Rice Jr. and niece Nichole (Rice) Wesolek of Glendive, MT; brother Steven (Beverly) Alberg, nieces Tracy (Allen) Higgins, Terry Andreasen and Tammy Pierce of Billings, MT; brother Randall (Diane Cordes) of Maplewood, MN; uncles, aunts, and numerous cousins.

Mark was preceded in death by his father Theodore Alberg as well as his maternal and paternal grandparents.