He was born March 10, 1955, in Gary, Ind., son of the late Alton and Bertha (Olson) Berland. Mark grew up in Gary and graduated from high school there. He served in the U.S. Air Force for six years and was honorably discharged.

Mark married Denise Hooten on Oct. 4, 1980, in Pipe Creek, Texas. While living in Texas he became a registered nurse and worked for both the Baptist Memorial Hospital and the Veterans Hospital in San Antonio. Mark and Denise moved to Iron Mountain in July 1983, and Mark was a nurse at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center until his retirement in 1999. He attended Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Iron Mountain.

Mark played football and wrestled in high school. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and was an avid golfer. His passion was serving veterans during his time at the VA Medical Center.

He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Denise; one son, Nicholas Berland of Austin, Texas; one daughter, Carley (Oscar Elizondo) Berland of Austin; one brother, Larry Berland of Valparaiso, Ind.; and his future grandson, Dominic Elizondo.

Visitation will be on Saturday, April 12, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. The Uren-Cooper Johnson American Legion Post 50 will accord military honors at 11:15 a.m. at the funeral home. A celebration of life service will follow at 11:30 a.m., with Rev. Dr. Richard Riley to officiate.

Memorials can be made to the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans Special Needs Unit, 425 Fisher St., Marquette, MI 49855.

You may light a candle in remembrance of Mark or leave a condolence for his family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com.

The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron Mountain to honor Mark’s legacy of life.