Mark Fraase

Mark “Tinker” Fraase

December 5, 1934 – October 6, 2025

Mark “Tinker” Fraase passed away peacefully of natural causes on October 6, 2025, at the age of 90, in Fargo, North Dakota.

Tinker was born on December 5, 1934, in Valley City, North Dakota, and grew up on a farm in Buffalo alongside his three sisters, two brothers, and his loving parents. The values of hard work, resilience, and loyalty were shaped early in life and remained with him until the end.

After graduating from North Dakota State University with a degree in mechanical engineering and a fraternity member of SAE, Tinker began his career working for the government in California, building rockets during the space race. But true to his nature, he wasn’t content standing still. He once said he got bored building rockets—so he decided to farm back home with him supervising and David Baasch doing all the grunt work! Finally, he settled on law school. He earned his law degree from the University of North Dakota and spent the majority of his professional life as a respected and dedicated attorney in Fargo.

Tinker was sharp—darn sharp. He was a brilliant legal mind, a tireless worker, and someone people turned to with their toughest problems because they knew he’d find a way to solve them. He had a strong presence and a bit of an edge, but behind it was a big heart. He cared deeply about the people in his life and never turned his back on someone who needed help.

He married Jewel Christensen, and together they had two children, Mark “Scooter” and Heather. Though the marriage ended after 11 years, Tinker remained devoted to his children and took immense pride in them both.

Tinker’s passions were as big as his personality. He loved horses—not just racing and betting, but the entire world that came with them. He spent decades immersed in the horse community, building lifelong friendships and living out a true love of the sport. He was also a lifelong lover of sports—playing them when he was young and watching them faithfully later in life. He attended every nephews’ and nieces’ events that he could manage. He enjoyed traveling, especially to warm climates, and had a deep love for the game of bridge. A true strategist, Tinker was proud to have earned the title of Bridge Master and played competitively for many years.

But above all else, his greatest joy was his family. He treasured his time with Scooter, Heather, Travis, and Caroline and found great happiness in the closeness he shared with his siblings, nieces, and nephews. Family gatherings were sacred to him, and he poured his time and love into the people he held dear.

Tinker was preceded in death by his son, Scooter; his parents, William and Margaret Fraase; his brother, Phillip (Marlys); and his sisters, Gretchen (Edwin) Martin and Antoinette (William) Babcock.

He is survived by his daughter, Heather (Travis); granddaughters, Caroline and Alyse; grandson, Holden; beloved siblings - sister, Stephanie (David) Baasch; and brother, William (Jan), along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at West Funeral Home in West Fargo on Monday, October 13 at 6:30 PM, with pre-service visitation from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. All are welcome to attend and share memories.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to honor Tinker in your own way—by sharing a story, placing a bet on a good horse, playing a hand of bridge, or spending time with the people you love. 

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

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