December 22, 1945 - July 7, 2021

A Celebration of Life will be held for Mark from 2pm to 7pm on August 14th at Hunting Park Clubhouse, 1000 Marine View Dr., Des Moines, WA 98190.

OBITUARY

Mark was born Lance Eugene Jorstad on December 22, 1945 to Robert and Moneta Jorstad in Seattle, Washington.

Lance was renamed Mark Eugene by his mother in 1946.  Mark has two siblings, twins Bruce and Bonnie.

Mark grew up in North Seattle until 1960 when his family moved to Normandy Park, Washington, where he attended and graduated from Highline High School in 1964.

After a short term in the U.S. Navy, Mark went to work for his father and brother, Bruce at Jorstad Jewelers in Burien.  Mark was sent to the Gemological Institute of America in 1973 and graduated as a Graduate Gemologist in 1975.  He continued in the business at Jorstad Jewelers until 1976 when the store burnt down. He rebuilt the store and his father, Bob retired.  Mark and his manager, Denny Clarke ran Jorstad Jewelers until January 1995, when Mark sold out to Denny.

In 1995, Mark went into partnership with longtime friend Marco Basich in downtown Seattle, where he brokered diamonds from Europe and did custom work for selected clientele until 2010, when he retired.  (*reread 2016.  Still with Marco at age 70)

Mark has two children of his many marriages- Richard Eugene in 1969 and Nikola Ann in 1973.

Thank to all my friends for seeing me off to be with my personal Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  God bless and keep You all.

Goodbye.

Mark Jorstad

Mark was very successful in the making of Jorstad Jewelers.  A place where we all have fond memories and stories of.

Some people did not know he was a private pilot and owned his own plane for many years.  He always enjoyed flying to different places.  He loved scuba diving and dove in areas around the world and Puget Sound.  He was a very good skier both water and snow.  We had many ski vacations together.  He certainly enjoyed our homes in Arizona where he entertained lots of friends.  We will all miss his kindness, jokes, laugher and love of life and friends.

He leaves behind to soon his wife of 19 years Rita; his loving stepchildren Shauna, Courtney, John (JC) and their families.

A special thanks to his caregivers Brad, Dillon, Shauna, Courtney and Maranda over the last 5 years.  Also our support team David & Leilani Lawrence who were there for us.

Till we meet again, you will never be forgotten!

Love

Your wife, family and friends

Mark cause of death was sepsis.