Mark Eugene Jones
August 19, 1930 ~ August 9, 2022

One of Elk Point’s memory keepers, Mark Jones, 91, died August 9, 2022, at Avera Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD.
Memorial Services will be Saturday, September 10, 2022, at Immanuel Lutheran Church with Eric Olson Officiating. Visitation at 10 am with Service at 11 am followed by Military Honors. Lunch will follow with fellowship and continued memories of Mark.
Mark Eugene Jones was born August 19, 1930, on a farm west of Elk Point to Harry A. Jones and Sylvia Murial (McClain) Jones. Mark lived most of his 91 years, short of 92 years, near or in Elk Point.
Mark was entrepreneurial at an early age. As a youngster, he had a paper route and in his High School years, he worked at a local meat market learning his meat cutter trade. He went to the Navy from 1951 until 1955, serving in Hawaii and Japan. He was a storekeeper supplying submarines and ships.
When Mark returned from Service, he met Margaret Teply, and they were married on December 14, 1956, and enjoyed 65 happy years. They lived in Elk Point, and Sioux City. Mark worked at the Red Owl Grocery. In 1960, they moved to Elk Point, opening Mark’s Super Saver which became the future Edgar’s Soda Shop, on Main Street. The business grew, and they moved to the Council Oaks store with the grocery name changing to Mark’s IGA. Mark retired after 30 years. The life lived in Mark’s IGA holds an essential place of memories for the Jones’ kids and grandkids. It was truly a community gathering place.
Mark was an active participant in many local organizations and associations. He was a Member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. He was proud of the Thanksgiving dinners; how popular the event was to the surrounding community, and how members of the church were so streamlined to work to serve 800 plus dinners. Mark provided hands-on assistance for the new Immanuel Church Building. Mark was a member of the Elk Point Country Club from the start. He was a member of Elk Point Commercial Club during his business years. He participated in the Elk Point Cemetery Committee. He was also a lifetime member of the Elk Point American Legion Post #134 and was a Commander for several terms. He was a lifetime member of VFW. He participated in Honor Guard for Military Funerals, Local parades, and Memorial Day Honor Guard in both Elk Point and Jefferson. Mark served several terms on the Elk Point City Council. Mark was a
Mark had a repertoire of stories about Elk Point. He was good nature in the telling of his life tales. He had a factual observation and a wit that made one laugh or ponder. He had many “old time phrases” that were perfectly phrased for the situation needing a quote. His wealth of historical knowledge of the area was priceless. We will deeply miss the “Hey! Do you remember?” as the opening to family and Elk Point History Conversations with Mark.
Mark will be deeply missed by his wife, Margaret; four children; Denise (Randy) Briggs, Wake Forest, NC, David Jones, Las Vegas, NV, Douglas Jones, Nederland, CO, and Diane Jones (Brian) Larson, Rochester, MN; six grandchildren, Dana (Jen) Briggs, Cara (Aron) Nevin, Jake (Tiffany) Larson, Nick Larson, Dennon Jones, and Ali Jones; ten great-grandchildren, Taylor, Brad, and Adyson Briggs, Celia, Sean, and Penelope Nevin, Dylan Ereth, Haley, and Caden Hyke, and Jack Larson; one great-great-grandchild, RoseLeigh Dodge, and another baby on the way; one brother, Harold (Carolyn) Jones; in-laws, Carl (Jan) Teply and Dan (Cathy) Teply; and many nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.
Preceding Mark in death were his parents, Harry and Muriel Jones; sisters, Eileen (Paul) Trauch, Lois Jones, and Ruth (Tink) Livingston.
Our sympathy and condolences to the family.