Mark Sansaver
Mark Andrew Sansaver, age 66, passed peacefully into the Lord’s arms on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, at Billings Clinic Hospital, surrounded by his beloved family. And true to that spirit, Mark insisted that he died of “too much chicken and not enough gravy.” That was his humor — unexpected, and perfectly timed.
Mark was born in Poplar, Mont., on Sept. 24, 1959, to William and Wilma (Morley) Sansaver. He was the eighth of 10 children in a home filled with laughter, love and a competitive spirit that defined the Sansaver family.
Mark’s early years were spent in Wolf Point, where he could usually be found on a ball field — either playing sports or piled into the family station wagon chasing games across the Hi-Line with his siblings. The Sansavers were a tight-knit crew, often hitting the road together to visit cousins and friends across the Fort Peck Reservation — too many to count, but none forgotten.
In 1969, the family moved to Seattle, Wash., where Mark attended Thomas Jefferson High School and graduated as a proud Raider. There, he continued to excel both in the classroom and on the field. Sports were a central part of his life — a passion passed down from his older brothers — and it was in fifth grade at Star Lake Elementary that he met his lifelong best friend (and honorary Sansaver), Kenny Mayne. Together, they shared a life-long bond forged on the gridiron and a friendship built on humor, competition and loyalty.
Mark's passion for football carried him to Yakima Valley College, where he earned All-Conference honors as a defensive back. In 1979, he realized a lifelong dream when he was invited to try out for his beloved Montana State Bobcats. He earned his place as a walk-on and contributed as a defensive back and on special teams, eventually helping the Bobcats capture the Big Sky Championship in 1979 — a memory he carried with immense pride.
In 1982, Mark graduated from Montana State University in Bozeman with a bachelor of science in marketing. His time as a Bobcat left an indelible mark on him where he formed friendships with teammates and classmates that lasted a lifetime.
After college, Mark began his professional journey with K-Mart (or 'K-Mark' as Grandma Tubby affectionately called it), managing store remodels across the country. It was during a store grand opening in California that he met his future wife, Kelli. Wearing a suit three inches too short, he forgot to read the label (Dry Clean Only) and offered her a half-melt Snickers bar, which piqued her interest in getting to know this character a little better. He joked, “Kelli was his blue light special.” Six months later, on September 7, 1985, Mark and Kelli were married on the basketball court at the LDS Church in Idaho Falls, Idaho. A pre-wedding whiffle ball game brought both families together with laughter — a perfect start to their journey.
Their early married life was a series of adventures across the western U.S. — from K-Mart in California and Colorado to Lamont’s clothing store in Idaho Falls, where they welcomed their first daughter, Whitney Rose. Mark moved into sales for Bristol-Meyers which took the family to Eugene, Ore., where their second daughter, Shelby LaNay, was born. The final leg of corporate America as a sales rep was with Philip Morris USA bringing them back to Idaho Falls, where their third daughter, Amanda Rae, completed the family.
Mark was later promoted to unit manager, which took the family to Anchorage, Alaska — a bold and unforgettable chapter. From 1992 to 1998, he hired and trained sales reps across the Last Frontier. The Sansavers loved Alaska and the friendships they made there, but as the effects of Muscular Dystrophy set in, the physical demands became harder to manage. Mark made the decision to return to his roots in Montana, where they built their home and resided for 26 years.
Mark was always involved with his girls’ activities, including coaching basketball for their school and traveling teams. Many friendships were formed, and his competitive spirit was known across the Hi-Line.
In 2004, he received the National Personal Achievement Award from the Muscular Dystrophy Association, honoring his success in overcoming the challenges of neuromuscular disease. Despite the challenges, he never let the disease define him — he showed up with humor, love and strength every single day. He leaned on the love and support of his family, forming a bond of resilience that inspired everyone around him.
Back on the Fort Peck Reservation, he spent two decades working at the Fort Peck Community College in tribal business and economic development and as the grants manager in the business office. In 2008, Mark returned to school and earned his MBA with an emphasis in American Indian Entrepreneurship from Gonzaga University — a reflection of both his love of business and his unwavering commitment to uplifting Native communities.
Mark was currently working at Great Northern Development Corp., supporting Native American entrepreneurs. He also served on the Governor’s Office Indian Country Economic Development board, the Assiniboine and Sioux Minerals Company LLC, the Wolf Point High School Board and the Frontier K-8 School Board. He also helped his lifelong friend Mark Zilkoski opened Missouri Breaks Brewing, where many good memories (and his favorite IPA) were shared.
Though Mark achieved much in his life, he always said his greatest accomplishment was his family — especially his three daughters, his grandchildren and his devoted wife of 40 years, Kelli, who was his partner, caregiver and constant source of strength. He was their biggest fan, rarely missing a game or event, often with close friends by his side ensuring he had a front-row seat.
While Mark loved his community, his heart was anchored in family. He was a proud husband, father, brother, uncle, and hands-on Papa who found joy in life’s simple moments; sitting in the sun on the deck, listening to classic tunes, or offering tips as the grandkids played ball in the driveway. His grandchildren brought him endless joy. Whether sharing advice, cheering from the sidelines, or giving cherished wheelchair rides, “Papa’s lap” was always the best seat in the house.
Mark’s circle of friends was as loyal as it was lively. They never missed a chance to swap stories — some true, some suspiciously embellished — and Mark was always at the center, laughing hardest whether the tale was about him or told by him. Those stories, real or not, became part of the legend, and Mark wouldn’t have had it any other way.
Mark believed true wealth wasn’t measured by possessions, but by love, purpose and presence. He lived by simple but powerful values: work hard, be kind, give freely. Through his actions, he taught humility, faith, and the contentment that comes from a life rooted in gratitude.
He will be remembered for his wit, steady faith and the rare gift of making everyone feel seen and valued. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the stories he shared, and the love he gave so generously.
Mark lived fully, loved deeply and laughed often. His absence will be deeply felt — but so will the light he left behind.
Mark is survived by his wife of 40 years, Kelli; and their three daughters: Whitney Matthews (Lewis) of Wolf Point, Mont., Shelby Tatafu (Bryan) of Malta, Mont., and Amanda Weinmann (Casey) of Harvey, N.D. He was a proud and loving “Papa” to nine special grandchildren: Braelon and Everli Tatafu; Emmy, Andrew, Taylor, Rylee and Averee Matthews; and Blake and Caden Weinmann. He is also survived by brothers, Ross Sansaver (Keri), Noel Sansaver (Doreen), all of Wolf Point, Mont., Brian Sansaver of Tracy, Calif.; sisters, Kyle Vinyard (Darrell), Debbie Vinyard (Jerry), Alexis Garsee (John) and Kelly Sansaver-Ongeri (Gabe), all of Washington; mother-in-law, Joyce Larsen (Ron); brother-in-law, Brian DeFiippis of Idaho; sister-inlaw, Barb Sansaver of Wolf Point; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family — too many to name, but each one held close to his heart.
He was preceded in death by his father, William Sansaver; mother, Wilma (Morley) Sansaver; brothers, William “Bill” Sansaver and Jeff Sansaver; sisters-in-law, Patty Sansaver and Janie Sansaver; father-in-law, Roy DeFilippis (Diane); great-nephew, Logan Gradin; and stepbrothers- in-law, Rick Clark and Kenneth “Pee Wee” Clark.
A celebration of Mark’s life will be held in the first part of the summer 2026, date to be determined. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements.
(Paid Obituary)
