Rollins, Mark Cameron 1955 - 2016

ROLLINS, CAMERON, HOFSAESS, COUNSELL, EMERSON, SEARCY, KELLY, BECKER

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 10/14/2016 at 15:01:32

Mark Cameron Rollins, 60, of Decorah, died unexpectedly during an elk hunting trip, sometime after Sept. 20, 2016. A Celebration of Life is Sunday, Oct. 16, from 2 to 5 p.m., at the Hotel Winneshiek – Steyer Opera House. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Decorah Food Pantry in Mark’s honor would be appreciated.

Mark was born Nov. 22, 1955, to Marvin and Beverly (Cameron) Rollins in Minneapolis, Minn. He graduated from Hennepin Vo-Tech with a degree in culinary arts. In addition, Mark attended the University of Minnesota, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in natural resources and environmental studies in 1995. Mark and Ede Hofsaess were married Dec. 23, 2001, at the Bethania Church in Decorah. They have two sons, who are the light of their dad’s life. He lived and worked in a variety of cities, including Minneapolis, Minn., Duluth, Minn., Seattle, Wash., La Crosse, Wis., as well as Decorah. In April of 2000, Mark opened the Hotel Winneshiek restaurant after the hotel’s extensive renovation and became its executive chef. In 2003, Mark opened the Dayton House restaurant, as well as Ede’s Gourmet. In 2010, he moved down the block and opened Ede’s and the Angry Pickle.

Mark had three loves: his family, hunting and cooking. He lived life to the fullest and was always up for an adventure. He took great joy in preparing food for guests and was always coming up with new and unique ways to do so. He was a dedicated and hard worker who always went the extra mile to ensure guests enjoyed what he prepared – and he will be missed by many, many people.

Mark is survived by his wife, Ede Rollins; two sons, Jackson and Nicholas Rollins; mother, Beverly Counsell, Cresco; brother and sister-in-law, Joel (Nancy) Rollins; sister, Robin Emerson; brother, Garth Searcy; nieces Miranda Emerson and Ashlee (Logan) Kelly; nephews Cole and Clay Rollins and Zach Emerson.

He was preceded in death by his father, Marvin Rollins; his sister, Kandice Becker; and both his paternal and maternal grandparents.

A memorial fund has been set up at the Bank of the West in Decorah, to assist with his sons’ education: 120 West Water Street, Decorah, IA 52101.

Sourcer: Decorah Newspapers Oct. 14, 2016