Mark A. Payment, age 62, of Grand Rapids, MN, passed away Sunday, December 24, 2023 at Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital, Grand Rapids, MN.

Mark was born in Grand Rapids, MN on May 29, 1961, to Richard "Bud" & Margie (Wilson) Payment. He attended school in Grand Rapids graduating in 1982. He worked at the Occupational Development Center, Deer River Hired Hands & retired from Minnesota Diversified Industries on  June 3, 2021. Following retirement, Mark enjoyed many activities at Itasca Life Options and was there until September 13, 2023 when medical issues kept him from going back. Mark lived all his life in Cohasset and Grand Rapids and was very proud to call both his "home town".

Mark was an active member of St. Augustine's Catholic Church in Cohasset, MN where he might be noted as one of the longest serving ushers to date.  A very important position that he took very seriously.  He was also a 3rd degree Knight of Columbus which he was very proud of.

He was a devoted Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings fan and watched them whenever he could. Mark's last Minnesota Vikings Football Party was spent with seven members of his family the afternoon the day of his passing.  He had memorabilia from all the Minnesota teams.

Mark lived by the Special Olympics Oath "Let me win.  But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." He was very good at sports and was in the Special Olympics as a golfer, bowler, and track and field, winning many ribbons and medals.

He was a people person. Once you met him, you were friends for life, and he never forgot you. His wit, sense of humor, goofy faces, and smile would light up the entire room.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Greg; brothers-in-law, Chuck Gibeau and Wayne Jellison; sister-in-law, Dianne (Ploof) Payment; nephews, David Payment and Richard Kluender.

Mark is survived by his sisters, Cheri (Howard) Kluender of Detroit Lakes, MN, Cori Gibeau of Cohasset, MN, Lori Jellison of Grand Rapids, MN; brothers, Glen of Cohasset, MN and Bob (Pat) of Blaine, MN; many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews, with two more coming in early spring; and special friend and buddy, Dennis Lentz.

A visitation will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, December 30, 2023 at St. Augustine's Catholic Church in Cohasset, MN with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11 AM. Father Blake Rozier will officiate. Burial will be at Wildwood Cemetery in Cohasset, MN.