Mark Edmund Hentges was born on September 2, 1963 in New Prague, MN to parents Wilfred and Esther (Hennen) Hentges. The youngest of six children growing up on the family farm, he quickly learned the characteristics of hard work, dedication and devotion. From a young age, Mark’s life was centered on following in his father’s footsteps. By working the land and tending to the animals as a farmer. Due to Wilfred’s health, he found himself taking over the farming operations during Mark’s high school years. He never minded the challenge, for Mark loved being a farmer.
Attending Jordan High School, Mark did find some spare time to enjoy his passion of wrestling. Graduating in 1982 from Jordan, he returned to helping his parents on the farm. In 1985, Mark met the love of his life, Renee Mary Pass. On September 18, 1987, at the Church of St. Mary in Shakopee, they declared their love to one another. As a young couple, Mark and Renee bought the farm from his parents and began a new generation of farmers. In the same house he was raised, Mark and Renee were blessed with five children, Timothy, Travis, Thomas, Samantha and Trevor.
In 2003, the Hentges family sold the milk cows, but continued to work the land and raise beef cattle. Mark started working for Progressive Rail, operating a front end loader until 2008. He then took his operating skills to Dem Con Companies in Shakopee, where he was currently working.
Besides farming, Mark to enjoyed collecting Tonka trucks. He appreciated taking the long way home in his old red pickup, checking out all of the crops. Mark’s greatest passion was his family. He was deeply devoted and loved his wife, Renee. Mark relished deer hunting and fishing with his sons. He loved the special language shared with daughter, Sam. Mark treasured cheering on all of his children in their school sporting activities and time spent on the snowmobiles. Each one of the children, had their own special relationship with Mark. His life was truly enriched in 2015, with the birth of his grandson, Emmitt. They were best friends and enjoyed each other’s company.
Mark’s lovable, caring and compassionate heart touched so many lives. He had this special way to empower his family and others around him.
Travis Michael Hentges was welcomed into the arms of his parents, on December 13, 1990, in Shakopee, MN. The second born, he was the only child that sported white blonde hair for many years. As a young boy, Travis too followed in his father’s footsteps. He truly loved farming, especially when there was equipment to be operated. Working side by side with his dad, Travis always hoped to be a fulltime farmer, someday.
Attending Jordan High School, Travis too followed in his father’s path of wrestling. When it worked into the schedule, he also enjoyed playing football and baseball. In 2010, Travis graduated for Jordan High School. He furthered his education at Dakota County Technology College. Here, he earned his degree as a diesel mechanic. However, Travis turned his skills to welding and building projects for Mid-County Fabrication.
Again, just like this father, Travis too loved the outdoors hunting and fishing with family. In more recent years, he even dabbled in trapping. Travis applied his mechanic skills to working and riding on his motorcycles and snowmobiles. But we all know, Travis’ pride and joy was his truck and second was the combine. These were his babies. On December 31, 2013, Travis became a homeowner, just down the street from his parents. In more recent months, Travis valued the relationship he shared with Samantha McCarthy. They gave each other hope.
Travis was a young man with a tremendous and big heart. He always greeted you with a big happy smile and soothing heart. Travis was kind, caring, determined, hardworking and a compassionate gentle giant. Small children were always drawn to him. They would see Travis and melt over him, for it did not matter the child.
On Sunday, morning, October 16, 2016, Mark and Travis walked hand and hand towards heaven, from a farming accident. They gave the ultimate gift of donating their body to help save others.
The legacy of Mark and Travis will continued to be lived on in those who deeply loved them and forever will miss their presence; wife/mother, Renee; children/siblings, Tim (Sara), Tom, Sam, Trevor; grandson/ nephew, Emmitt; parents-in-law/grandparents, Harold and Mary Ellen Pass; Mark’s siblings, Billy (Gloria), Ken (Lyda), Paul (Marilyn), Mary (Mike) Simon; countless loving relatives and devoted friends.
They were preceded in death by Mark’s parents, Wilfred and Esther Hentges; brother and uncle, Bob Hentges; niece and cousin, Rachel Simon.
All of the services will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 210 North Broadway, Jordan, MN. The family will greet guests on Friday, October 21 from 3-8 pm and on Saturday, October 22, from 9-10:30 am, with a Mass of Christian Burial held at 11 am. Father Erik Lundgren will preside. Mark and Travis will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Jordan, MN. Memorials can be made to the family through the Home Town Bank in Jordan, MN
Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation, Jordan Chapel proudly served and cared for the Hentges. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
