Jon Laird Mork passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Hayward, Wis.
Jon was born on Sept. 4, 1960, in Mora, Minn to Laird and Louise (Hoffman) Mork. He was baptized and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in Mora. Jon attended Mora Public Schools and graduated in 1979 having participated in basketball, track, band, FFA, 4-H and boy scouts where he earned the Eagle Scout Award. Jon attended St Cloud State University and the University of River Falls Wisconsin ultimately choosing a career in Auctioneering in which he excelled.
In March 1986, Jon married Mary Swanson. To this union their son Ross was born. On Sept. 4, 1999, Jon married Sandra Hoffman. Together with Sandy, Jon provided many years of loving care to Ross in their home in Beldenville, WI and lastly in Hayward, WI.
Always the entrepreneur, Jon’s endeavors included Jon’s U-pick Strawberries, Mork Apiaries, Owner of the “Front Porch”, raising and judging Hampshire sheep and dealing Blackjack. The annual Minnesota Hampshire Sheep Show frequently featured Jon as the auctioneer and was a cherished time with Laird. Jon was instrumental in mentoring many kids in 4-H who were raising sheep, especially his own grandchildren, Brandon (Maddy) Hoffman, Nicholas and Maddi Sagdalen. He was a member of the American Hampshire Sheep Association.
Jon had a special place in his heart for his nieces and nephews, Joe, Sarah, Greg and Anna. He truly lived for the moment and would give you the shirt off his back. Jon was a friend to many and will be dearly missed by all.
Jon was preceded in death by his grandparents, Evelyn and Gordon Mork and Louis and Helen Hoffman. He is survived by his wife, Sandy; son, Ross; former wife, Mary; parents, Laird and Louise Mork; brothers, Scot (Deb) Mork and Troy (Jean) Mork; grandchildren, nieces, nephews, several aunts, uncles and cousins.
A celebration of life will be held Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Mora with Rev Gary Guptill officiating. Visitation will be held from 2 until 4 p.m on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, at Dresser-Methven Funeral Home in Mora as well as one hour prior to the service at the church.
