Mark Edward Drift Sr, 56, of Eveleth, "Mi-Zin-Ni-Ga-Boo", his Indian name meaning "walks on clear ice" of the bear clan, passed away on March 2, 2025, at the U of M Hospital in Minneapolis.

Mark was born on April 2, 1968, to Karen (Strong) and Lester E. Drift Sr of Nett Lake, Minnesota.

Mark grew up on the Nett Lake Reservation and graduated from Orr High School in 1986.

In his spare time, Mark enjoyed watching the Vikings play, listening to music, attending his grandkids' sports games, ricing-even if he didn't have a partner! Mark also enjoyed going to the gym and keeping fit. He often enjoyed spending the day at his mom's house, helping her out and spending time with her. Mark was a family-oriented man and would be willing to help anyone who needed it.

He worked in construction for most of his life and served on the Bois Forte Tribal Council from 2004-2008. He would tell stories of him building numerous bridges and buildings across MN.

Mark is survived by his wife Sandra Drift of Eveleth, MN. His mother, Karen Drift of Nett Lake, MN. His daughters Nina (Everett) Villebrun of Cook, MN, Alanna (Josh) Sherman of Tower, MN, Jeanette Long of Tower, MN, and stepdaughter Kendra Carver of Eveleth, MN. His sons, Mark (Isabel) Drift Jr of Nett Lake, MN and Phillip Long of Hibbing, MN. Two sisters, Farrah Drift of Nett Lake, MN, Karlene (Donald) Chosa of Baraga, MI. Two brothers, Peter (Lori) Drift of Mahnomen, MN and Bart Drift of Nett Lake, MN. His loving grandchildren, Kaiden, Colt, Evan, Ellie, Dexter, James and Elora. Numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Mark is preceded in death by his father, Lester E. Drift Sr in 2014, one brother, Lester "son son" Drift Jr in 2008.

Traditional services were held at the Nett Lake Government center at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2025, with the wake at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Spiritual advisors are Billy Blackwell and Vernon Adams.

The pallbearers will be Shane Drift, Brent Chosa, Perry Drift, Erik Halvorson, Josh Sherman, Dexter Sherman, Kaiden Chosa and John Carlson.