Fargo Moorhead Alumni Profile: Fargo South

Dr. Mark Reinke

Class of 1974

Dr. Mark Reinke is all about serving people. It's a theme that has guided his life as an elite pilot in the Air Force, as a surgeon who handles cases from simple ear infections to cancer, as a community leader who works tirelessly to support the arts and feed the hungry, and as a family man who's married with five children.

"I fully support his inclusion into your Hall of Fame as I could not imagine a more caring and industrious individual to receive such an honor," says Dr. Gary Leong, a friend and colleague.

A former commander in the Air Force, Mark is currently in private practice in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he has distinguished himself as an ear, nose and throat surgeon. He has undergraduate degrees from the University of North Dakota and Arizona State, and a medical degree from Rush University in Chicago.

"His first career was very difficult because to be a pilot in the Air Force demands many hours of education and training," says Fargo South Hall of Famer Rick Majerus, who has known Mark since high school. "Then to totally reverse the course and go back to school to become a doctor is totally amazing."

Says longtime friend Gene Allen: "Mark Reinke is a traditional, clean-cut family man; an exemplar of American heroism." Mark was working as an emergency medical technician with F-M Ambulance Service when he met Allen. It was at that time, even though Mark had yet to pursue his career as a pilot, that Allen knew Mark would become a doctor. "Dr. Reinke continues to distinguish himself as a surgeon. His passion for excellence remains," Allen says.

Mark graduated from Fargo South in 1974. He lettered in wrestling three years, and won the state title at 119 pounds his senior year. "With the long season, many bus trips and practices, you get to know someone very well," Majerus says. "Mark has always impressed me with his work ethic on the mat and in life."

Kristin Okerland

Class of 1974

Pianist Kristin Okerlund is known around the world for her musical mastery, both as a performer and teacher. The 1981 Fargo South graduate is a favorite coach and accompanist of many of today’s premier opera stars, including renowned soprano Nancy Gustafson. A brilliant soloist and chamber musician in her own right, Kristin has performed in the United States, throughout Europe, and in Japan and Nigeria.

She has recorded with soprano Heidi Brunner, conductor Bertrand de Billy and the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra. She has appeared in a chamber music series with members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. She has worked with many of the top conductors in the world.

Kristin has taught at the prestigious Vienna Conservatory of Music since 1993. Kristin studied at the St. Louis Conservatory of Music and the University of Illinois. Kristin won numerous regional and national competitions on her way to becoming a sought-after coach and pianist. She won first prize in the St. Louis Symphony Young Artist Competition, the Sigma Alpha Tota Scholarship Competition, the Music Teachers National Association auditions, the Boco Raton Music Guild Competition, the Esther Wilburn-Barnes Competition, and the Earl Lee Piano Competition among others.

Kristin Okerlund and Nancy Gustafson have teamed together on recitals around the world. "Kristin is not only a world-class pianist and vocal coach, but also a first class musician," Gustafson says. "She is admired and respected throughout the musical world." Kristin also is a "great human being.” “A mother of two glorious children, she is balancing a full-time musical career and motherhood with tremendous success," the singer says. "You should be very proud to have produced such a tremendous graduate."