Mark Goossen

With family holding his hands, Mark Goossen passed away at home on Friday, September 28, 2018.  Following a courageous battle with cancer, he felt ready to leave for his eternal home.  He was 57 years old.
Mark was born on June 24, 1961 in Morris, Manitoba to Walter and Liesbet (Betty Penner) Goossen.  They moved to Grandview in the spring of 1962, and set up residence 8 1/2 miles south of town, both farming and establishing a welding shop.  Mark attended school in Grandview, and had a keen interest in learning, often being found reading encyclopedias and anything else he could get his hands on.  As was tradition at the time, Mark was allowed to attend school only until Grade 9, but with great persuasion, he convinced his parents to allow him to complete Grade 10 by correspondence.  His formal education ended then, but not his learning.
Mark married the love of his life, Connie Balak, on September 25, 1982. Together with Mark`s parents, they farmed and the men managed the shop.  This worked exceptionally well, with continual mutual love and respect.  Mark learned the trade of machining from the expert hands of his Dad (Papa), and Mark remained passionate about this welding shop, giving his time and talent to it as long as his health allowed (again, just as Papa had done).  Mark had also worked for Crop Insurance for a few years, enjoying the company of his co-workers as much as the work itself.
Mark and Connie were blessed with two children, Scott Douglas in 1987, and Holly Michelle in 1991.  They welcomed Holly's husband Dallas Bryson to the family in 2013, and their little granddaughter Nellie Bea Bryson in 2016.
Together Mark and Connie enjoyed travelling, whether it be the two of them, with their family or with good friends.  Mark had a quiet, courteous, respectful personality, but loved to laugh and have fun too.  His immediate family was his sanctuary, and he loved nothing more than to be surrounded by them.  His little granddaughter brought the brightest sunshine to his life, and he lived for her visits.
Left to cherish many precious memories are his loving wife of 36 years, Connie; his son Scott; daughter and son-in-law Holly and Dallas, along with his sweet little granddaughter Nellie, who called him "Poppy" all from Grandview.  Also left to mourn are his step mom, Frances Goossen; one brother Roy and Pat Goossen; and six sisters, Doris Goossen, Judy and Gordon Trembach, Marie and Mervin Mitchell, Joan and Ian Grexton, Deb and Bill Brandt, and Ruth Goossen & Terry Brink, as well as nieces and nephews.  He will be greatly missed by Connie's siblings, Judy and Tom McElroy, Garry and Carol Balak, Dwaine and Janet Balak, and nieces and nephews.  As Mark liked to say "I love my nieces to pieces!" (and my nephews too!).
Mark was predeceased by his loving parents, Walter and Betty Goossen; his dear nephew Doug; as well as Connie's parent's Nick and Nellie Balak.
Mark was truly one-of-a-kind, and will be missed so very much.

A Memorial Service will be held for Mark on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at 2:00 pm from the Grandview Kinsmen Community Center in Grandview with Rodney Froese officiating.  

Should friends so desire, donations in memory of Mark may be made to Charity of Choice.

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