In Memory: John Mari '87, OD ’89

John Mari '87, OD '89 died Nov. 6, 2021, at age 58. Born in Bottineau, N.D., Mari had a passion for the outdoors and sportsmanship, enjoying snowmobiling and fishing as well as playing, coaching, and watching hockey. His lighthearted blissful spirit was always the life of a party. He studied at Concordia University and North Dakota State University, working as a bartender at The Trader and Trapper in Fargo. Mari met his wife, Lynne Mock, while working at the bar. She paid her bill with a check and gave him a big tip to get his attention. They were married on June 8, 1985, in a traditional German wedding, although John could not master the polka. Shortly after, they moved to Oregon and he attended Pacific University for his doctor of optometry. They family returned to Minnesota, then North Dakota, where he ran 20/20 Vision Express and employed four out of five immediate family members.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Diane Mari. He is survived by his wife, Lynne; children Jordan (and James) Muir, Jade (and Davis Geske) Mari, and Jarrett Mari; granddaughter Jocelynne; “bonus son” Colten St. Clair; father Justo Mari; and siblings Marilyn (and Jim) Were, Jeff (and Kaley) Mari, and Jackie (and Dan) Mengedoth.